The National Alliance for the Mentally Ill - Moore County would like to invite everyone to attend a Candlelight Vigil on Sunday, Oct. 8.

This event, from 6-8 p.m., will be the fifth annual observance of Mental Illness Awareness Week, Oct. 1-8, and will present a program designed to enlighten the public.

This will be an opportunity to learn about mental illness when two speakers will share their personal stories. William Spencer, son of Michael Blue, NAMI-MC Treasurer, will talk about his recent illness.

The Rev. Steven McElroy will share his personal experiences with helping a family member who has suffered from mental illness.

Following their accounts, Hazel Elmore, NAMI MC Past President will tell how 120 law enforcement officers participated in an eight-hour Law Enforcement Training Conference specifically designed to teach them about the mentally ill. Next, Liz Watson, MSN, RN, Clinical Nurse Specialist will speak about her observations of how helpful the NAMI MC program SEARCH (Support, Education, Advocacy and Resources for Children) has been to members of this family-to-family group. This program offers support to parents and grandparents raising children with behavioral, emotional and mental disorders.

The presentations will be followed by the candle lighting ceremony as the group gathers in the lovely garden located behind the Village Chapel Hall. After the benediction by Chaplain Edward Galloway, refreshments will be served.

This event will focus on the theme to “Open Your Mind” to erase stigma and to promote the fact that mental illnesses are no-fault brain diseases which can be successfully treated allowing victims of these conditions to lead normal and productive lives. Often it is the stigma of mental illness that stops people with brain disorders from seeking employment. Candles are lit to shed light on dark corners to dispel the stigma, to bring hope for the future and in memory of those no longer with us. This will be an enlightening event and everyone is invited to share in this observance.