The Mental Health First Aid course is appropriate for anyone 18 years and older who wants to learn how to help a person who may be experiencing a mental health related crisis or problem. Topics covered include anxiety, depression, psychosis, and addictions. Mental Health First Aid uses role-playing and simulations to demonstrate how to assess a mental health crisis; select interventions and provide initial help; and connect people to professional, peer, social, and self-help care. (The Youth Mental Health First Aid course is for individuals working with youth).

It is with a mix of sadness and gratitude that the Board of Directors announces Courtney Lawson’s departure as Executive Director of NAMI Southeast Minnesota, effective February 1, 2019. Since December of 2012, Courtney has played a critical role in the development and success of the organization, and while we will miss her and her inspiring leadership, we wish her the best of luck in her next endeavor. We want to thank her for the 6 years of dedicated service which involved many significant accomplishments, including:
• Adding a Peer Support and Family Support Specialist program
• Testifying at the state and local level in support of a mental health crisis center
• Advocating for the needs of people living with mental illness and their family members in many local initiatives
• Overseeing community education to raise awareness about mental illness and eradicate stigma that reaches 2,500+ people annually
• Increasing the NAMI staff size and budget to help more people
Over the next few months, we will be conducting a search to find the new NAMI SE MN Executive Director. During this transition period, it is our priority to find the best individual to lead, while still maintaining a stable and effective organization. We will share the job announcement soon and ask for your help in identifying candidates who can help NAMI SE MN continue along this successful trajectory. 
Again, we cannot thank Courtney enough for the dedication, passion, enthusiasm and motivation she has given NAMI SE MN over the past 6 years. She will be greatly missed by the staff, Board, members and community partners alike. We look forward to following the success of her career and are hopeful and excited for the next chapter of NAMI SE MN as we continue to improve the lives of individuals affected by mental illness. If you have any questions or concerns during this transition process, please do not hesitate to reach out to me directly at  boardpresident@namisemn.org
Sincerely,
Robert Landgraf, Chair, Board of Directors, NAMI Southeast Minnesota

From Courtney Lawson, Executive Director, NAMI Southeast Minnesota
After six years with NAMI SE MN, I recently submitted my resignation to the board. I have a mix of emotions as I move into this next chapter of my life, a decision prompted by the need to create space to heal after my husband’s recent death by suicide. While the choice was difficult, I am certain I will emerge stronger and continue to contribute to community efforts to enhance mental health and quality of life. I am extremely proud of all that NAMI SE MN staff, board and members have accomplished during the past six years and hold dear to my heart the relationships I’ve built during my time as Executive Director.
I want to give my deepest gratitude to all who have been so supportive of the organization and of me personally over the years: staff, board members, and, of course, our community partners and NAMI SE MN members. Without you, the organization would not be as strong and vibrant as it is. I am so honored to have been the leader of this incredible organization and will watch with much excitement and anticipation as it makes strides in eliminating the stigma of mental illness.
All my best,
Courtney Lawson, Executive Director, NAMI Southeast Minnesota

NAMI SE MN has begun it's search for a new Executive Director. If you're interested in advancing NAMI's mission to educate, support and advocate for individuals and family members affected by mental health challenges. Applications received by February 28, 2019 will be given interview priority. Please visit our Careers Page for additional information.
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