East Valley NAMI President Steve Hilger
 
Steve Hilger, Director of Residential Services for Behavioral Health at MARC and President East Valley NAMI Chapter -- National Alliance of the Mentally Ill
Steve started with MARC ten years ago.  He was invited to join NAMI and is involved with the NAMI walk that raises the money that allows NAMI to operate.  Board member for two years.
Three NAMI affiliates -- East Valley, Southeast Valley and Phoenix
Supports education, advocacy for people with mental illness.  Biggest challenge seen in NAMI is family members not knowing how to deal with family member with mental illness.  Refer folks to support groups and other resources.  Sad thing is that family members will often avoid their family member with mental illness.
Steve provided packet with information about NAMI and its programs: family to family education program, NAMI basics, family support group, recovery support group, peer to peer
NAMI walk -- October 19th at Arizona State Capitol Grounds
register: http://www.namiwalks.org/valleywalk