NAMI-Grand Rapids holding mental health-related events

GRAND RAPIDS ? NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Grand Rapids Area announced the following upcoming mental health-related events:

FREE COMMUNITY TRAINING

A free community training and information session on understanding the benefits of medication management and actions of psychotropic medications will be held on Thursday, Dec. 1, from 5 ? 8 p.m. at First Call For Help, 1007 N.W. 4th St. in Grand Rapids (next to Floor to Ceiling). Snacks and refreshments will be provided. To register, call 218-326-8565.

The presenter will be Clinical Pharmacist John Koop who will discuss in simple terms the mechanisms of action of psychotropic medications and how nutrition, activity and healthy choice may enhance the benefits of medical management.

HOLIDAY GIFT DRIVE

Make a difficult time a little easier this holiday season by donating to the NAMIGrand Rapids Area holiday gift drive from Nov. 28 ? Dec. 16. Sadly, many individuals hospitalized for mental illnesses do not get visitors or gifts, even over the holidays. Help make the season a little brighter for those hospitalized at Fairview University Medical Center-Mesabi in Hibbing (34 patients).

Gift items are being collected at the MacRostie Art Center, 405 1st Ave. N.W. in Grand Rapids (hours are Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. ? 5 p.m.). Good ideas include:

? Art materials, games, puzzles, air dry

clay, DVDs

? Origami paper, journals (non-spiral),

stationary, scrapbooking supplies, crossword puzzles and word finds, Sudoku,

books, magazines, cards, cookbooks,

? Small denomination gift cards (bus

fares, groceries, home goods)

? Stress ball

? Stocking hats, scarves, gloves

? Nice soaps, toiletries (toothbrush, shampoo, deodorant, lotion, body wash)

? Calendars

? Microwave popcorn

Gifts must be new, unwrapped and safe

(nothing sharp or breakable, no ribbons or

strings).