A large crowd gathered at the Leesburg Landing Pavilion this week to recognize one of the biggest advocates for mental health across north Alabama.

Shelia Hurley, Executive Director for CED Mental Health and the President of Cherokee NAMI said that the event was held in order to focus on Mental Health Awareness Month and to honor those who have paved the way in order to provide such outstanding services in our area.

Hurley said that among those was Mrs. Sue Guffey. Hurley stated that Guffey has done so much over her tenure to help build strong mental health services in Cherokee County.

Among those that partner with CED Mental Health are the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office and The Cherokee County Commission. Hurley said that everyone works extremely hard in pulling together resources in order to provide services to those that need them.

Affectionately known as SueNAMI, Sue Guffey first became aware of NAMI while living in Ohio. Upon moving to Alabama, she discovered Centre was missing a vital tool in it mental health system – a NAMI (National Alliance for Mental Illness) affiliate.  So Sue founded NAMI Centre and served as President for several years. Sue is a retired teacher, mother, wife, and grandmother.