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The Flag Tours Alabama
October 8, 2003
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Mental Health Awareness Flag Flies at State Capitol
Montgomery – Lieutenant Governor Lucy Baxley hosted a visit
to the State Capitol by Kristy Worthen, who is touring the United
States to bring awareness to the plight of the mentally ill.
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Kristy Worthen and
Lt. Gov. Baxley |
| Governor Bob Riley and Mental Health Commissioner Kathy
Sawyer participated in the ceremony at the Avenue of Flags at the
State Capitol where a “mental health awareness” flag designed
and created by Ms. Worthen was raised. |
Goveror Riley and
Lt. Gov. Baxley
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Mental Health Commissioner
Kathy Sawyer |
| After overcoming a suicide attempt in 1999, proper medication has
made it possible for Ms. Worthen to become a talented artist and eloquent
spokesperson for mental health awareness. Her flag has already flown
at state capitols in Arkansas, Louisiana, Florida, Tennessee, Idaho,
Indiana, Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island. Its’ inscription
reads, “Shedding Light On Mental Health Issues.” |
Kristy Worthen speaking at Flag Ceremony |
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AFROTC Cadets from Robert E. Lee High School,
Montgomery, Alabama, unfold and display the Mental Health Flag.
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The ceremony was held at 10:00 A.M. on October 8, 2003, and the
public was invited to attend. Lieutenant Governor Baxley is participating
in the efforts of the National Association of Lieutenant Governors
to help Ms. Worthen take her message to all states in the United
States. Her travels to Alabama are sponsored by AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals.
Representatives of the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI)
and local mental health officials were present in support of this
recognition of the needs of patients of bipolar disorder and the
numerous mental health disorders affecting Alabamians.
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Lt. Governor Lucy Baxley addresses attendees at
ceremony to display the Mental Health Flag in the Old Archives Room
of the State Captial.
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Lt. Governor Lucy Baxley with AFROTC Cadets from
Robert E. Lee High School, Montgomery, Alabama, at the conclusion
of the Mental Health Flag ceremony.
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Lt. Governor Lucy Baxley with Kristy Worthen,
Arkansas native and bipolar disorder patient who designed the Mental
Health Flag. Ms. Worthen is taking the flag to all fifty states
as part of a campaign to raise awareness of mental health illness
issues.
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Lt Gov's signature on the Mental Health Flag
Image by: McCardinal Photo
Next Stop on the Flag Tour
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