FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NAMI Queens / Nassau
1983 Marcus Ave. Lake Success, NY 11042 516-326-0791 www.btslessonplans.org


Contact:
Amy Lax
516-759-1082


THE NATIONAL ALLIANCE FOR THE MENTALLY ILL (NAMI) IS “BREAKING THE SILENCE” IN OUR CLASSROOMS

School Curriculum Developed To Fight the Image of Mental Illness

Lake Success, N.Y. - January 2002 - Although mental Illness affects one in five children in every classroom, there is a deafening silence about it in our classrooms. “Breaking the Silence” – classroom lesson plans developed by NAMI Queens / Nassau to destigmatize mental illness are available nationwide, grades 4 –12. The curriculum meets national health education standards and fulfills the Safe Schools Against Violence in Education Act (S.A.V.E.) promoting tolerance, anti bullying and character development.
“Mental Illness is one of the leading causes of disability in this country. These lessons, which teach the warning signs of mental illness, should be part of every child’s education,” explained James Stone, M.S.W. Commissioner, NYS Office of Mental Health.
Students learn:

The materials are easy to use:

“Mental illness, one of the least understood and discussed topics in classrooms today, is linked to many other social problems such as teen suicide, alcohol use, and school violence,” states co-author and teacher, Janet Susin who added, “With a better understanding of mental illness, these innovative lesson plans designed for upper elementary, middle and high school may reduce the incidence of these problems.”

Schools familiar with the new program are recognizing the need and importance of educating young people using accurate, age appropriate, scientific material. Middle school teacher Peter Fitzpatrick from Hicksville, NY, said, “One of the biggest pluses of the program is that kids now view and talk about mental illness with the same ease and sensitivity as cancer or heart disease.”
Each lesson plan with board game or poster is available for $12.50 or $35.00 for all three, elementary, middle and high school. NAMI is a non-profit, grassroots, self-help, support and advocacy organization of consumers, families and friends of people with mental illness. For further information contact NAMI Queens / Nassau at 516-326-0797.