Georgia Mental Health Initiative
The purpose of the Georgia Mental Health Initiative (GAMHI) is to help counter the stigma of mental illness by providing resources and encouraging innovative mental health ministries in congregations in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Georgia.
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Mission Statement
The Georgia Mental Health Initiative Team (GAMHI) prioritizes mental health and wellness in the life of the region and its local congregations through programs that:
Cultivate welcoming, educated, and inclusive congregations by countering the stigma of mental illness and raising awareness of mental health.
Provide care and support to clergy and seminarians.
Provide resources and educational support for Disciples congregations, clergy, seminarians, and community members.
Encourage collaboration, sustainability, and innovation of mental health ministries in congregations and the Georgia region.
History
As a response to a 2015 General Assembly Resolution 1523, the Disciples’ National Benevolent Association (NBA) launched the Mental Health Initiative in 2016. In 2017, and as part of its initiative, the NBA partnered with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Georgia to develop the Georgia Mental Health Initiative (GAMHI), as a way of furthering its impact at the congregational level.
From the beginning, GAMHI has included leadership from the continuum of care available to those with mental health concerns, including psychologists, counselors, clergy, social workers, chaplains, and congregational leaders.
As part of its work since then, the team has surveyed clergy on issues related to mental health, led numerous workshops and panels at both regional and general Disciples events, and compiled resources including powerpoints and lists for congregational and personal use.