The Flag Tours Pennsylvania

Lt. Gov. Knoll to Lead Ceremony for Mental Health Awareness

On Thursday, September 25, 2003, at the Pennsylvania State Capitol in Harrisburg, Lieutenant Governor Catherine Baker Knoll presided over a ceremony to draw attention to the needs of the mentally ill. This event was arranged in conjuction with the National Lieutenant Goverors Assocation which is spearheading a public awareness effort to keep the plight of the mentally ill in the minds of all Americans and with the Pennsylvania Chapter of the National Alliance for theMentally Ill (NAMI). NAMI-PA works to educate the public about the true nature of mental illness and to combat the stigma and discrimination often faced by persons with mental illness.

The event centered around a "Mental Health Flag" designed and hand painted by Kristy Worthen of Salem, Arkansas. The flag is inscripted with the text: Shedding Light on Mental Health Issues. Kristy was diagnosed in 1999 with a severe case of bipolar disorder. Thanks to a correct diagnosis and open access to the new lines of medication, Kristy has been in the wellness stage for the past three and a half years and leads a happy, successful life as an artist, public speaker, and mental health advocate.

In her remarks, Lt. Gov. Knoll highlighted current mental health issues, argued for the removal of the stigma currently attached to the condition and suggest that caring for mental health is key to living a full and productive life.

Lt. Gov. Knoll signs Mental Health Flag

Drake Nakaishi from AstraZeneca, Mary Worthen, Lt. Gov. Knoll, James Jordan the Executive Director of NAMI-Pennsylvania, and Kristy Worthen

Lt. Gov. signature on the Mental Health Flag
Image by: McCardinal Photo

CLICK HERE to view articles on the NAMI-Pennsylvania website about this event.

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