MOULTRIE — 2018 will be a big year for NAMI Moultrie. Plans for growth include introducing three new classes to its growing list.

The additions include NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Family- to-Family, NAMI Basics and NAMI Peer-to-Peer. They will also offer Connection Support Groups.

The Colquitt County Mental Health Coalition announced last year that it would no longer meet and Lynn Wilson, vice president of NAMI Moultrie, has had to draw back as well.

“Self care is one of NAMI’s mantras, and I had ignored that,” said Wilson.

“My energy waned, I couldn’t do it all so I had to step back.”

Although Wilson has lightened her load, she is still involved with NAMI.

“It amazes me after our intense effort that there are still people that do not know what NAMI is and the number of calls I get from residents that ask me for help,” said Wilson.

“But what amazes me more is residents that I know need NAMI and don’t call.”

Wilson said that it’s hard to continue the mental health effort if there is no one to step up since NAMI relies heavily on volunteers to help suffering victims.

NAMI funding comes from the annual NAMI Walk.

This year, the NAMI Walk will be organized with help from NAMI Georgia. Planning will start in February.

As far as education, Correctional Officer De-escalation or COD classes are available for new employees.

Wilson said all of the correctional officers and the employees at the Colquitt County Sheriff’s Office have undergone the two-hour training to help them better manage the inmate population who may be dealing with mental health issues.

Accountability courts have expanded and have been able to serve more clients.

“We need to have dedicated, passionate people to help move the initiative forward,” Wilson said.

“Our goal for 2018 is to grow the organization,” Wilson said, “and have more people involved. But going back to the mantra, those of us who are involved in the leadership of NAMI Moultrie need to remember self care.”

Contact Wilson or Shannon Bell to register for classes at (229) 891-1725.

They can also be contacted by email at nami.moultrie@gmail.com, shann.mbell@gmail.com or lynnbw45@gmail.com.