The Green Bay Packers announced today they will recognize Wisconsin mental health advocates with NAMI Wisconsin during the Packers Give Back Game on Friday, Aug. 28.
The preseason matchup between Green Bay and Arizona will mark the sixth annual Packers Give Back Game, which supports a benefiting nonprofit from Wisconsin by highlighting their work and amplifying their message before and during the game.
In collaboration with NAMI Wisconsin (National Alliance on Mental Illness), NAMI has invited individuals from its 24 local affiliates across the state, including staff, board members, volunteers and program participants, as well as NAMI On Campus student leaders, Raise Your Voice club advisors, state trainers, Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) coordinators, Youth Advisory Council members and other dedicated members of the NAMI Wisconsin community to take part in this special event. Prior to kickoff, several honorees from NAMI will take the field to be recognized.
"We're proud to honor Wisconsin mental health advocates through our annual Packers Give Back Game," said Packers President and CEO Ed Policy. "We are grateful for NAMI Wisconsin's unwavering commitment to mental health advocacy and the resources they provide to individuals and families experiencing mental illness. We look forward to shining a light on the critical role they play in championing mental health across our entire state."
NAMI Wisconsin is the state's chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, the nation's largest grassroots mental health organization, dedicated to improving the lives of individuals and families affected by mental illness. NAMI has over 600 local affiliate groups nationally that seek to improve the quality of life for people affected by mental illness and promote recovery. There are 24 local NAMI affiliates across Wisconsin, each serving a specific region. NAMI Brown County represents the geographic area that includes Green Bay.
"Being recognized through the Packers Give Back Game is an incredible honor for not only NAMI Wisconsin, but for countless individuals and families across our state impacted by mental illness," said NAMI Wisconsin Executive Director Mary Kay Battaglia. "Every day, NAMI Wisconsin provides free support groups, educational programs and mental health resources that help people find connection, understanding and hope during some of the most difficult moments in their lives. This recognition helps shine a light on the importance of ensuring those supports remain accessible to everyone who needs them. It sends a message to those struggling in silence: you are seen, you matter, and you are not alone."
Individuals and families who are impacted by mental illness are encouraged to learn more about NAMI Wisconsin's free mental health support, online groups, resources and education by visiting namiwisconsin.org. If in crisis, please call or text the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988.
Packers Give Back is the team's all-encompassing community outreach initiative that includes the Green Bay Packers Foundation, appearances made by players, alumni, coaches and staff, football outreach, cash and in-kind donations, Make-A-Wish visits, and community events. The annual overall charitable impact of Packers Give Back exceeds $15 million.
