ARLINGTON, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, is launching the “You are Not Alone” awareness campaign for Mental Health Month during May in partnership with Anthem, Inc. NAMI’s national campaign focuses on the power of connection during a time that, with the COVID-19 pandemic, many Americans are struggling with the effects of physical distancing, including social isolation, depression, and anxiety.

The current COVID-19 crisis is creating increased demand for mental health services, with approximately half of Americans reporting the pandemic has affected their mental health, according to a recent poll by the Kaiser Family Foundation. In any given year, approximately 1 in 5 Americans experience a mental health condition. Current physical distancing guidelines, physical health risks, interpersonal relationship issues, personal finance worries, and larger community economic impacts have contributed to feelings of isolation, depression, anxiety, and even substance use. To Americans experiencing these issues, “you are not alone.”

“Through Anthem’s support of Mental Health Month, NAMI will amplify the message that 'You are Not Alone' and provide valuable education and support to those in need,” said Daniel H. Gillison, Jr., Chief Executive Officer of NAMI. “During Mental Health Month and throughout the year, NAMI and its 650 state and local affiliates provide a beacon of hope for anyone living with a mental health condition.”

Anthem has developed resources for consumers, employers, providers, advocates, families, and our associates to encourage conversations about mental health, as well as provide tips to manage stress and uncertainty. Anthem also is providing fundraising support and encouraging its employees to take time for self-care, support virtual NAMIWalks, and is also matching their associates’ NAMI donations.

“Anthem’s unwavering commitment to providing whole person care is an important part of our mission to improve lives and communities,” said Prakash Patel, MD, Executive Vice President and President of Anthem’s Diversified Business Group. “And, during this challenging health crisis, while people may be physically distanced, it’s important for people to know they are not alone, and should make every effort to maintain social connections. Anthem is providing mental health tools, resources, and support and joining with NAMI to change the national narrative on mental health awareness and acceptance.”

In response to COVID-19, Anthem also introduced new resources and initiatives developed in partnership with leading community and health partners to provide support for the whole health needs of individuals, families, employers, providers, advocates, and communities, including:

• Psych Hub, developed by mental health advocates and other national health insurers to offer a free digital resource site to help individuals and care providers address behavioral health needs resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.
• AnthemEAP.com, provides informational resources to assist Anthem affiliated health plan members in addressing and navigating their mental health and substance use conditions.
• Aunt Bertha, a leading social care network, helps connect individuals and families to free and reduced-cost social services in their communities.

About NAMI

NAMI is the National Alliance on Mental Illness, the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness. We are an association of more than 600 local affiliates who work in communities across the country to raise awareness and provide support and education that was not previously available to those in need.

About Anthem, Inc.

Anthem is a leading health benefits company dedicated to improving lives and communities, and making healthcare simpler. Through its affiliated companies, Anthem serves more than 108 million people, including more than 42 million within its family of health plans. We aim to be the most innovative, valuable and inclusive partner. For more information, please visit www.antheminc.com or follow @AnthemInc on Twitter.