Johnson County proclaims May 2025 Mental Health Awareness Month; NAMI representatives describe services and walk

The Johnson County Board of Supervisors on Thursday adopted a proclamation declaring May 2025 as Mental Health Awareness Month and heard community remarks from NAMI Johnson County leaders about peer services and an upcoming awareness walk.

The board read and adopted the proclamation recognizing the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and the social, economic and familial impacts of mental illness. The proclamation notes that “1 out of 5 adults in the United States experiences a diagnosable mental disorder” and identifies May 10 as the date for NAMI Johnson County’s annual walk at Terry Trueblood Recreation Area in Iowa City.

Mary Issa, identified in the meeting as executive director of NAMI Johnson County, thanked the board for the proclamation and described the organization’s 20th annual walk. “This year, Dr. Terry Wahls is our honorary chair,” Issa said, and she invited residents to attend the May 10 event at Terry Trueblood.

Joanna Sidwell, president of NAMI Johnson County’s board, told the supervisors the nonprofit’s peer services are “recognized across the state as excellent” and said federal and state funding for the group is uncertain; the organization is seeking renewal of a grant in June. Pat Felizi, a peer support specialist at Our Place, described support groups the nonprofit runs and said a group for people who experience “hearing voices” provides a nonjudgmental space.

Supervisors responded with appreciation for the organization’s work. Chairperson John Green and other supervisors noted the county’s long-standing involvement with NAMI and encouraged residents to participate in the walk and other peer-service programs.

The proclamation was adopted by a 5-0 vote.

Details distributed during the meeting list NAMI Johnson County’s walk at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 10 at Terry Trueblood Recreation Area.