OKLAHOMA’S STEVEN BUCK NAMED NAMI DIRECTOR OF STATE RELATIONS

Posted on July 1, 2004

Arlington, VA — The National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI) today announced the appointment of Steven Buck as Director of State Relations of the nation’s largest grassroots advocacy organization dedicated to improving the lives of children and adults living with mental illnesses. Buck, currently Deputy Director of State Relations, starts in his new position immediately.

"Steve Buck brings to NAMI proven skills as a committed leader in our organization," said NAMI acting executive director Michael J. Fitzpatrick.  "We have great confidence in his abilities to direct our state relations efforts and are delighted that he has accepted this new role."

"NAMI is a leader in promoting improvements in states across the country," said Buck. "During these difficult times of state budget crises nationwide, I look forward to working with state leaders on initiatives that directly affect the lives of people living with mental illnesses. It is critical that people understand the impact of untreated mental illness on all sectors in our communities, including business, education, and law enforcement."

Steven Buck will continue to reside in Oklahoma City where he lives with his wife and four children.

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With more than 220,000 members and 1200 state and local affiliates, NAMI is the nation’s leading grassroots organization dedicated to improving the lives of children and adults with severe mental illnesses including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder (manic-depressive illness), major depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and severe anxiety disorders.