On May 10th, 2011 from 5:00 to 10:00 PM there will be a huge event at the Statehouse in Columbus to call attention to the plight of folks with mental illness and the terrible state of the public programs to help them. This event is so important that it will be held in lieu of NAMI Ohio's annual conference. The objective is to turn out at least 3,000 consumers, family members, providers, and others to demonstrate concern for the matter.

WE NEED YOUR BODY! PLEASE COME!

NAMI Ohio will be providing buses to transport consumers without other means of transportation. The bus for our region will leave from the Gathering Place (7 North Congress, Athens) two or three hours earlier.

Interested?  Here are the important things to know:

• Check with the Gathering Place (740-592-2690) for exact time for the bus transpostation. To sign up for the bus, call 614-356-0818 by April 29th. WE NEED LOTS OF CONSUMERS!

• Cars may park at the state parking lot underneath the Statehouse.

• To carpool, call Tom Walker at either 740-593-1339 or 740-593-3757.

• Buses and vans may unload and load riders at the Statehouse on State Street across from the Ohio Theater and park at Veterans' Memorial. 

• A sandwich, chips, and water will be available free of charge. Participants are welcome to bring additional snacks. 

• Don't forget to bring medication and special dietary food if needed.

• Please bring blankets to "sleep" on - though this is a "sleep out" in name only. 

• No chairs or signs please.  Chairs are not permitted on the Statehouse lawn and signs will be available for pickup at the event.

• CIT Officers are encouraged to attend as they will be formally recognized during the program.

PLEASE! PLEASE! PLEASE ATTEND! Help fight stigma and show that Ohioans are concerned about mental health care!