NAMI Southwestern Illinois

Julie Wier talks about her Llama farm, NAMI and the history behind the NAMI Llama mascot in the Alton Telegraph.

The NAMI Southwestern Illinois Walk & Run are completed. In case you missed it watch TV coverage on Fox News:

Read the reports and check out photos of the 2011 Walk Run.

The late Susan Kniffel was involved with NAMI back in the early years when NAMI first started in our area. At that time meetings were held in Chestnut at the Northgate Industrial Drive location in Granite City.

Nothing could stop Susan from advocating for those who were not able to do so for themselves. She testified in Springfield many times before Congress to help pass laws that aided persons with mental illnesses. She was President of NAMI Madison County in the early 90’s.

Each year at the Consumer Conference, the Susan Kniffel Award is awarded to an individual living with a mental illness who has gone over and above his/her advocating efforts to help those in need.

The 2011 recipient is Diane Pisko. Diane was a former President of NAMI SWI and is currently President of DBSA Madison County and is well known for her advocacy for better treatment and services for mental health. Diane was presented with the Susan Kniffel Award at the 2011 Consumer Conference held on October 29, 2011 at the Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows in Belleville, IL.

Congratulations, Diane, and thank you for all you do for persons with mental illnesses.