Oak Ridge resident recognized by NAMI

*MEDIA RELEASE*

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                             CONTACT: Michael J. Yates

January 3, 2019                                            PHONE: (865) 719-7221

 

Oak Ridge resident recognized by NAMI

Oak Ridge, TN — Local Oak Ridge resident Kasthuri (Kas) Gomathinagayam, recently received the 2018 Sackleh Affiliate Leadership Award from the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) of Tennessee during their annual conference. The Affiliate Leadership Award is dedicated to the memory of Fred Sackleh, who served as the president of NAMI Coffee County for many years. The award recognizes Kas’s “tireless and selfless leadership on behalf of persons with mental illness and their families.”

NAMI consists of a national headquarters, state organizations, and affiliates. Kas currently serves as President of NAMI Oak Ridge, which is an affiliate of NAMI Tennessee, and as an affiliate, offers information and referral services, provides education programs and support groups, hosts mental health awareness events and activities, and advocates at the local and state levels.

Upon receiving the award, Kas said, “We need to show compassion for everyone impacted by serious mental illnesses, including families and friends. Together, through networking, continued learning, and advocacy, we can help destigmatize mental illness and build a healthier community for everyone.”

Kas also serves on the Board of Directors at Ridgeview Behavioral Health Services. Brian Buuck, Chief Executive Officer of Ridgeview, remarked, “Kas exudes a steadfast compassion and commitment to helping people living with a mental illness and is always promoting hope, healing, and recovery to the people we serve at Ridgeview. Our board is stronger with the inclusion and voice of ‘lived experience’ and Kas is richly deserving of this award.”

To learn more about how to join NAMI Oak Ridge, contact 865-850-8856.

 

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Michael Yates is Director of Development for Ridgeview

Ridgeview is a private, not for profit community mental health center with locations in Anderson, Campbell, Morgan, Roane, and Scott counties.

Photograph from left to right: Jeff Fladen, Executive Director NAMI Tennessee; Kas Gomathinagayam, President of Oak Ridge NAMI; and Sylvia Phillips, President of NAMI Tennessee Board of Directors.