Riveredge Hospital Takes Steps to Advocate on Behalf of the Mentally Ill
Hospital enlists the help of more than 50 employees to help improve the lives of persons affected by mental illness

Chicago, IL – Riveredge Hospital joins the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and its efforts to help improve the lives of persons affected by serious mental illness by supporting its 4th annual NAMIWalks Chicago 2009.Riveredge, a Silver Sponsor of NAMIWalks Chicago, will also participate in the event with more than 50 Riveredge administrators and employees walking to raise funds for important mental health services as well as spread awareness to help stop the stigma associated with mental illness.

“At Riveredge Hospital, we are dedicated to improving the lives of individuals and families affected by mental illness and we are proud to be a part of this important event.” said Carey Carlock, Chief Executive Officer of Riveredge Hospital. “Not only will NAMIWalks raise funds to support critical services and innovative treatments for the mental health community, it also brings mental illness to the forefront of people’s minds.”

Since 2008, mental-health professionals in Illinois have seen an increase in demand for mental health services with behavioral health hospitals reporting an increase in admissions of almost 30 percent. Currently, more than 700,000 children, adolescents and adults in Illinois suffer from mental health disorders.

NAMIWalks kicks off this Sunday, September 13 in Grant Park. Beyond spreading awareness, the walk supports the services of NAMI of Greater Chicago including referral hotlines, informational materials, individual and support group meetings and educational and training programs available to the public free of charge. This year, NAMIWalks has set a fundraising goal of $100,000.

Riveredge Hospital is a 210-bed psychiatric facility providing inpatient, outpatient, consultative and educational programming to treat children, adolescents and adults. Riveredge Hospital is committed to partnerships that support initiatives that better the community. It is owned and operated by Psychiatric Solutions Inc.

NAMI is a non-profit, nation-wide organization that provides information, support and referral services to individuals with various forms of mental illness and their families. Through education, advocacy and support programs NAMI works to assist individuals affected with mental illness on their pathway to recovery as well as help stop the stigma surrounding mental illness.