NAMI Southern New Mexico Expands Mental Health Support in Rural Communities

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Southern New Mexico is making significant strides in expanding mental health services across rural southern New Mexico thanks, in part, to a grant from the Paso del Norte Health Foundation. This funding has enabled NAMI to extend its reach and support communities with scarce mental health resources. NAMI’s foundation lies in its dedicated grassroots network of volunteers, who work tirelessly to build a support system tailored to the needs of those affected by mental illness.

Sherri Rhoten, Executive Director of NAMI Southern New Mexico, emphasizes the importance of this expansion: “Our goal is to bring essential mental health education and support to areas that have historically been underserved. With the Foundation’s support, we’re able to make a real difference in people’s lives.”

The organization has implemented a comprehensive plan to expand its Family and Peer Education and support group programs alongside Workforce Development initiatives. These evidence-based programs combat stigma and improve mental health awareness in key communities, including Las Cruces, Deming, Alamogordo, and Columbus.

“We’ve seen a tremendous response to our expanded services,” Rhoten notes. “In August alone, we served 128 family members through our Family Support Groups and 102 individuals through our Connection Support Groups. The need is clearly there, and we’re grateful to be able to meet it.”

NAMI Southern New Mexico has also been instrumental in supporting families facing challenges with the school district in Luna County. Rhoten explains, “Since mid-July, we’ve been a lifeline for approximately 274 families. We’ve created resources, hosted focus groups, and partnered with other organizations to ensure these families get the support they need.”

Sandra Day, associate program officer at the Paso del Norte Health Foundation, recognizes the impact of NAMI Southern New Mexico’s work: “NAMI SNM has done remarkable work in reducing stigma and providing mental health education in rural communities with limited resources. Their efforts are making a tangible difference in southern New Mexico, and we’re proud to support their mission.”

The organization’s expanded services include Peer-to-Peer Education, Family-to-Family Education, Hearts+Minds Education, Connection Support Groups, Family Support Groups, In Our Own Voice presentations, and Ending The Silence presentations. Additionally, NAMI SNM has implemented four Peer Mentoring Workforce Development Trainings to enhance community mental health resources further.

“At NAMI Southern New Mexico, we’re more than just a support group,” Rhoten concludes. “We’re a community committed to transforming lives through education, understanding, and compassion. With the continued support of partners like the Paso del Norte Health Foundation, we can create a brighter future for those affected by mental illness in our rural communities.”

To learn more about the mental health programs the Health Foundation funds, visit pdnhf.org.

For more information on NAMI Southern New Mexico, visit https://nami-snm.org/.