Statement from NAMI CEO Daniel H. Gillison Jr. on Recent Acts of Violence

Posted on May 17, 2022

Arlington, VA — The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) today issued the following statement from CEO Daniel H. Gillison, Jr.:

“The violent hate crime committed on Saturday in Buffalo, N.Y., has traumatized a community and our nation. We grieve for those who have lost loved ones.

“This violent act is the latest reminder that racism is a clear threat to public health. Hate is not a mental illness. During a tragedy like this, it’s important to call out and condemn the twisted ideology of racism, which plagues our nation and contributes to generational trauma that is only compounded when combined with the pain communities experience because of gun violence.

“Communities like Buffalo, especially the families directly and indirectly impacted, will need support for the trauma resulting from these tragic events.  As Buffalo and other communities grapple with gun violence in recent days, NAMI is here to help all those in need. If anyone needs support, please reach out to NAMI’s HelpLine — 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) — which is available Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET.”