Voices in Advocacy: Aleta Barnett

My name is Aleta Barnett; I am the Director of Education and Support with NAMI Keystone Pa. I grew up in Erie Pa; it was there that I first gained experience in the social service world. I worked at a neighborhood community center for 8 years that provided afterschool and summer programs for youth as well as supported their families. I attended Edinboro University of Pa where I obtained my Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology. I moved to Pittsburgh in 2011, my first job was at a women’s shelter. I became the service coordinator of a program that assisted women released from jail and were homeless. This is where I started to learn more about mental health and witness persons experiencing mental health issues. After that, I became a service coordinator out in the community and got the chance to work with people of all walks of life who were experiencing mental health issues. I was able to assist them in navigating the system to obtain the right supports they needed to lead happy successful lives.

As I learned more, I started to realize how connected mental health issues were in people who may be experiencing homelessness and addiction issues. I also started to realize how present mental health was in my personal life not only with family and friends, but me as well. When I started at NAMI Keystone Pa in 2019, I came onboard as the Mental Health Advocate. In that position I advocated for persons and their families who felt they were not receiving the proper care. I also provided resources though our statewide helpline. In 2021, I was promoted to the Director of Education and Support where now, I help organize the education of mental health through classes, trainings and presentations. Since the pandemic, these requests have become more frequent.

Learning about mental health is an ongoing journey. Mental health is not just a clinical diagnosis that might need medication and professional treatments but it is total wellness. Everyone has experienced some type of mental health challenge in their life. The Covid-19 pandemic brought on anxiety and depression for many people, some of which have never experienced these feelings before. I believe it is important to always have a person’s mental health in mind when in the servicing profession. You never know what a person might be dealing with. NAMI Keystone Pa provides families and individuals with information on mental health. Educating one’s self on the subject can help destigmatize the negative notions around mental health and those who are challenged with it