NAMI Northern Illinois celebrated excellence in community mental health during its annual Get to Know NAMI open house March 10 at Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden in Rockford.
NAMI is comprised of people living with mental illness, as well as families, friends and supporters. The group offers community educational courses, support groups and other local resources.
Get to Know NAMI included the presentation of awards to people who make a difference in the lives of people with mental illness. Included in the mix of Star of NAMI honorees were two Rosecrance professionals, Dr. Anthony D’Souza and Dr. Reginald Givens.
D’Souza is a psychiatrist who works at the Rosecrance Belvidere office. Givens is a psychiatrist and the medical director at SwedishAmerican Hospital’s Center for Behavioral Health.
Nominations for both doctors were complimentary of their work and their passion for the mental health community.
“Dr. D’Souza embodies the principles of NAMI through his work with the mentally ill and their families. He is not judgmental and has a huge understanding of mental illness and works with people to help them better their lives.”
“Dr. Givens has been a huge support to me and the Rockford community. He has pushed me to complete my business plans and go forward in psychology in school. I first met Dr. Givens when I was at my lowest point in life. Believe it or not, just knowing that he is at Swedes makes me have the confidence to seek out help when I need it. I am proud to say that we have him in our community, and I really look up to him.”