NAMI of Jasper County to merge with central Iowa chapter

The National Alliance of Mental Illness of Jasper County will be merging with NAMI of Central Iowa following a decision made by members of the nonprofit organization.

After lengthy discussions and considerations, the local organization will dissolve and now be a part of NAMI of Central Iowa, which is based out of Ames.

The organization will still be tied to the Jasper County community through the monthly NAMI Family Support Group. The first meeting is set for Sept. 21. The support group is open to the public.

The next meeting for members of the organization is set for 6:30 p.m. Aug. 21.

The reason for the change is due to the state of Iowa now requiring each affiliate to pay directors and officers liability insurance, which is liability insurance payable to the directors.

NAMI of Jasper County President Bill Ehler said the D&O insurance would cost $700 to $800 annually and would require new bylaws, policies and procedures.

Ehler said the organization decided to continue planning local events that have become tradition in the county, such as the annual NAMI walk and the carnival in the park.

Contact Kayla Langmaid at 641-792-3121 ext. 6533 or klangmaid@newtondailynews.com