TUCSON, Ariz. — The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Southern Arizona is set to host a unique fundraiser to promote mental health awareness. The “Swing for a Cause — Tee Up for Mental Health Awareness” event will take place on Saturday, August 31, at Topgolf Tucson.
The event, organized by NAMI Southern Arizona, is designed to both raise funds and foster community engagement. Briana Felix, executive director of NAMI Southern Arizona, explained the dual purpose: “We wanted to create an event that not only raises money but also enhances our presence in the community. Our goal is to encourage open discussions about mental health, free from stigma, while making the experience enjoyable.”
NAMI Southern Arizona, which offers support and resources for individuals affected by mental illness, previously raised over $150,000 at its spring walk. The upcoming golf event aims to raise an additional $10,000 to fund various programs that are available at no cost to the public. These programs include:
NAMI Basics: A course for parents and caregivers of adolescents with mental health conditions.
Peer-to-Peer: A program where individuals with mental health conditions are guided by peers.
Family-to-Family: A course providing tools and support to family members of those affected by mental illness.
In Your Own Voice: A program where adults share their lived experiences with others.
Additionally, NAMI Southern Arizona is prioritizing the expansion of its “Ending the Silence” suicide prevention program, which targets middle and high school students. This initiative involves presentations led by a trained team, including a young adult in recovery, to raise awareness and promote mental health resilience among youth.
Felix highlighted the significance of reaching younger populations, noting that nearly 50% of adolescents have experienced a mental health disorder. “Our aim is to support young people and build resilient families. Through ‘Ending the Silence,’ we hope to provide comprehensive programs that involve the whole family,” Felix said.
The program also seeks to offer wrap-around services such as NAMI Basics and Peer-to-Peer through schools, which often serve as the primary contact point for at-risk students. “Schools can be a vital access point for support, especially for students facing challenging family dynamics and other hardships,” Felix explained.
NAMI Southern Arizona is collaborating with the University of Arizona Psychology Department, Project Future, local school districts, and various social service agencies to further support students. The initiative includes free Peer-to-Peer training for students with lived experiences, preparing them for potential careers in behavioral health.
Furthermore, NAMI Southern Arizona is working with the Pima County Crisis Intervention Team to enhance public awareness of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. This service provides free, confidential support around the clock. “If someone is in a mental health crisis or experiencing suicidal thoughts, they can reach out directly to counselors via 988, rather than starting with law enforcement,” Felix emphasized.
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