Wasco recognizes mental health advocates, city and NAMI outline follow‑up workshops and school outreach

The Wasco City Council on May 20 recognized Veronica Hakundi as the recipient of the city’s Mental Health Advocacy of the Year award and received presentations from local organizers and NAMI representatives about follow‑up programs stemming from a World Bipolar Day event.

Veronica Hakundi, the award recipient, said World Bipolar Day “served as an impetus for many great things to come” and described partnerships that she said helped produce the inaugural event and subsequent activities. Hakundi said the city event directly led to a four‑part “Hearts and Minds” workshop series launched the preceding Sunday at St. John’s Catholic Church and that organizers are in talks with Wasco High School about starting a NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) student chapter and exploring a mental health mobile clinic for Wasco.

Council members, NAMI volunteers and City Manager Scott Herbert thanked organizers and credited the event with raising awareness. Sharon Wolfell, identified at the meeting as a leader with NAMI, described NAMI’s services and said education and peer support are central to recovery and stigma reduction.

Council members praised the workshops and encouraged continuing the programs. Council Member Reyna and others described good attendance at the initial workshop and said they expect the series and school outreach to continue.

The council also received a proclamation recognizing May 2025 as Mental Health Awareness Month, presented by the mayor and accepted by local NAMI representatives. No formal policy or funding action was taken at the meeting; the presentations and proclamations were ceremonial and informational but council members discussed coordination and volunteer support for future events.

Speakers urged continued collaboration between the city, faith organizations, NAMI and schools to expand services and outreach.