"Mental Health and Civic Responsibility," Sep. 10 (W) at 3:30pm

[Daniel Lake]

 *The Institute for Ethics in Public Life invites you to join us for
"Mental Health and Civic Responsibility" on Wednesday, September 10 at
3:30pm with special guests James Norton, '13, Government and Community
Affairs Manager at the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) New York,
and Theresa Bennett, Board President of NAMI Champlain Valley.*

The United States is arguably suffering from a mental health crisis, and
current trends are not good. As of 2022, 23.1% of all adults live with
mental illness (6% severe), and the problem is much worse for young adults
(36.2% of 18-25 yr olds, 11.6% severe) according to the National Institute
of Mental Health
<https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/mental-illness&sa=D&source=calendar&ust=1757599246170013&usg=AOvVaw3ufp3brKVTbK2uycs5WBTq>.
This follows a trend of increasing incidence of mental illness that now
spans decades, and while there has been an uptick in the proportion of
those suffering from mental illness seeking help according to research
published
<https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.apa.org/monitor/2024/01/trends-pathways-access-mental-health-care&sa=D&source=calendar&ust=1757599246170013&usg=AOvVaw0vrcZVorp5g42yIMtMTM1N>
by the American Psychological Association, there is no where near enough
counselors, psychologists, and psychiatrists to meet the need.

As we observe World Suicide Awareness Day on September 10, please join us
for a hybrid (in-person and on Zoom) discussion of issues at the
intersection of mental health, public ethics, and civic responsibility with
representatives from NAMI. This program will highlight how breaking stigma
and expanding mental health awareness can create stronger, more inclusive
communities where public service and civic responsibility truly reflect the
common good.

The National Alliance on Mental Illness
<https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.nami.org/&sa=D&source=calendar&ust=1757599246170013&usg=AOvVaw23WP68FLEukfW1WFIJW4JQ>
is a leader in education, advocacy, and support for individuals and
families affected by mental illness by providing free signature programs,
peer-led support groups, and public awareness initiatives that help build
healthier, more compassionate communities.

*James Norton*, '13 joined NAMI in 2025 as the Government and Community
Affairs Manager after having spent 10+ years at the intersection of
behavioral health and justice. Including roles with the State of New York,
State of Vermont, NYS Senate, AHEC, EMS, Public Safety, and Fire. He has
focused mainly on the opioid crisis and still works with Recovery centers
and Harm Reduction groups. James also continues to work as an adjunct
professor of criminal justice and volunteer local politics. James graduated
from SUNY Plattsburgh in 2013 after majoring in criminal justice with a
minor in psychology.


*Theresa Bennett*  Theresa Bennett serves as Board President of NAMI
Champlain Valley, the Clinton County chapter of the National Alliance on
Mental Illness. While she does not lead the organization directly, she is a
steadfast advocate and supporter of its mission to provide comprehensive
services to individuals and families affected by mental illness—ranging
from crisis response to long-term recovery.

As a family member of someone living with serious mental illness, Ms.
Bennett brings a deeply personal perspective to her advocacy. She has
served on several community boards, including the Crisis Intervention Team
(CIT) and the Community Services Board, where she works to amplify the
voices of those often left unheard.

NAMI Champlain Valley maintains a strong presence in this rural region.
Whether accompanying the City of Plattsburgh Police Department during
crisis situations or hosting stigma-reducing events like open mic nights at
local coffee shops, the organization plays a vital role in fostering
connection, compassion, and community awareness.

Please join us in-person in the Thomas Moran Seminar Room at the Institute
for Ethics in Public Life (Hawkins 233) or on Zoom (see below).

Topic: "Mental Illness and Civic Responsibility"
Time: Sep 10, 2025 03:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://plattsburgh.zoom.us/j/83513472861
<https://www.google.com/url?q=https://plattsburgh.zoom.us/j/83513472861&sa=D&source=calendar&ust=1757599246170013&usg=AOvVaw2qWd3iXtB0vJ-8IosQ8LhX>


-- 

*Daniel Lake*

(pronouns: he/him/his)

Assoc. Prof. of Political Science

Director, Institute for Ethics in Public Life

Hawkins 149A

101 Broad Street
<https://maps.google.com/?q=101+Broad+Street+Plattsburgh,+NY+12901&entry=gmail&source=g>

Plattsburgh, NY 12901
<https://maps.google.com/?q=101+Broad+Street+Plattsburgh,+NY+12901&entry=gmail&source=g>

(o) 518-564-5833 <(518)%5645833>

*plattsburgh.edu <http://plattsburgh.edu/>*
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