NAMI HIllsborough, a nonprofit that serves individuals and
families affected by mental illness, will be able to provide more support to community members
thanks to a $4,500 contribution from AT&T.
AT&T awarded the money as part of an initiative to provide funding and resources to Tampa Bay
area nonprofit organizations impacted by the COVID-19 crisis. Since the pandemic began, the
demand for mental health services significantly increased in Tampa Bay and throughout the
country. Many industry experts say the next pandemic to hit American soil will be relative to
mental health.
“Since April, calls and emails requesting support have tripled,” said NAMI Hillsborough Executive
Director Natasha A. Pierre. “We are grateful for AT&T’s donation that will ensure NAMI
HIllsborough can continue to educate our community and to support those who need it most.
Until support can increase at the state level, NAMI Hillsborough can fill the gap. We’re going
through this pandemic together, and we do not want anyone to feel like they are facing it
alone.”
Historically, Florida has not supported mental health funding as aggressively as other states,
Pierre said. Florida currently ranks last in the nation for per-person spending for mental health
services, spending about $36 per person.
NAMI Hillsborough offers education, support and advocacy for those affected by mental illness
in Hillsborough County, and they continue to offer three remote support groups each week that
are open to anyone experiencing a mental health crisis.
“At AT&T, we know COVID-19 has impacted community members in many ways, and has led to
mental health issues in Tampa Bay and beyond. We are fortunate that NAMI Hillsborough is a
resource for the community and happy that we can help NAMI continue this important work,”
said AT&T Regional Director Andrew Hall.
About NAMI Hillsborough: NAMI Hillsborough envisions a County where all people affected by
mental illness are leading healthy, fulfilling lives supported by a community that cares. NAMI
Hillsborough will be the thought and knowledge leader on mental illness in Hillsborough County and will contribute to ensuring a stigma-free county where all people affected by mental illness can find the help, hope, and support they need.