Navigate with NAMI

The National Alliance on Mental Illness of Seneca, Sandusky and Wyandot counties has many programs that are available to the public at no cost. One of these programs, the Navigation program, was started in 2019. The Navigation program began when the Mental Health and Recovery Services Board requested that NAMI create a program for those who don't have families to help them become or remain stable. The program is run by Valerie Feasel, a Registered Nurse that spent time working in an inpatient psychiatric hospital. "My job is to help people pre-crisis, in crisis and post-crisis," Feasel said. "I work to get them connect to local resources. "I work with individuals for at least three months, but some people may need this the rest of their lives." Feasel said she works to connect people to counseling, therapy, case management and Medicaid. She also attends doctor appointments with Navigation participants to help them understand what the doctor is telling them and to help participants explain their issues to medical professionals. "If someone is put into a nursing home, assisted living home or a group home, I still work with them," she said. "I keep in contact with them and also talk with the staff for continuity of care and to keep the connection going." "All services are provided at no cost," said NAMI SSW Executive Director Melanie White. "People don't have to worry about a fee with what we are doing." For more information on the Navigation program or to learn more about what NAMI provides, call (419) 334-8021, visit namissw.org or email information@namissw.org.