The Flag Tours Connecticut

LT. GOVERNOR JODI RELL AND NAMI - CT
CELEBRATE MENTAL HEALTH MONTH

With Kristy Worthen and the Mental Health Flag

On May 7, 2003 Lt. Jodi Rell and NAMI CT celebrated Mental Health Month with a visit from Arkansas Artist, Kristy Worthen. Worthen has designed and hand painted a five foot by nine foot Mental Health Flag that is flying one day at each state capitol to bring awareness to mental health issues, help erase stigma and dispel the myths that surround mental illness.

The Mental Health Flag Ceremony was at the Legislative Office Building, Room 1D in Hartford, CT from 12:00 P.M. to 2:P.M. where the Mental Health Flag was on display. The Mental Health Flag Ceremony was open to the public and more than one hundred people attended the ceremony and the reception that followed.

Marilyn Ricci, President of NAMI - CT welcomed the guest and Kristy Worthen and her mother, Mary Worthen . Ms. Ricci also commended Kristy on her mental health advocacy work. Thomas Kirk , Commissioner, Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services spoke on mental health issues and the needs of mental health services in Connecticut. Mr. Kirk then introduced the Worthen's. Kristy spoke about her own struggles with bipolar disorder before receiving a correct diagnosis and access to the new lines of medication that are available today. Kristy spoke on the need to educate the public and legislators on mental health issues and said that her wish for families and consumers was that they too, could find the hope and help that she has found and they will be able to move forward with their lives and become successful, productive citizens in their communities. Mary Worthen spoke on the struggles that families face getting a correct diagnosis for their loved ones, the duties of the caregiver and the importance of joining support groups for both the family members and the consumer. Other speakers included Darlene Dunbar, Commissioner, Department of Child and Family Services and closing remarks were made by Robert Correll, Tresurer, NAMI - CT. A reception in Kristy's honor was held immediately following the flag ceremony where Lt. Governor Jodi Rell addressed the group, thanked Kristy Worthen for her mental health advocacy work and signed Kristy's Mental Health Flag.

Lt. Gov. Jodi Rell's signature on the Mental Health Flag
Image by: McCardinal Photo

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