The NAMI affiliates in Butler, Clermont and Warren Counties participated in a planning effort that identified each county’s mental health needs and current NAMI support, education, and advocacy programs.  The planning team met with numerous NAMI state and county staff and volunteers to learn about their operations and best practices.

The team determined that the three counties needed to improve their affiliate’s organization, marketing, board development, and community outreach. Butler, Clermont and Warren Counties each developed business plans that included hiring part-time executive directors. The plans also include the individual county’s needs in relation to the goals of NAMI’s overall mission.

Goals for the new affiliate directors:

• Provide phone referral and support
• Coordinate educational programs
• Coordinate community outreach
• Attend mental health events
• Advocate for mental health issues

There was a list of facilitators and barriers in the planning process

Facilitators:

• The NAMI Hamilton County executive director and the NAMI Ohio executive director worked with the team to provide expertise and advice
• The team attended an ODMH-sponsored business/project plan training

Barriers:

• Clermont County had minimal participation in the planning effort due to travel distance

The grantee submitted an implementation proposal to the Health Foundation to establish NAMI affiliate leadership and enhance NAMI s presence in Butler, Clermont and Warren Counties. The three counties created mini-business plans to address the needs of their individual affiliates.