The National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI) in San Antonio has reported a significant increase in the number of calls they are receiving following the death of Camila Olmos. The organization noted that while the holidays are typically a busy period, the volume of calls surged after Camila’s story gained national attention.
Jana Castellano, a mental health survivor and now a warm line specialist at NAMI, has witnessed the rise in calls firsthand. “It was really important for me to want to offer hope to people who may be going through something similar,” Castellano said.
NAMI officials revealed that the number of daily calls locally jumped from about 19 to as high as 62, more than tripling after Camila’s story was highlighted in the media. Castellano shared, “I’ve talked to more than one person who has said that now they want to focus on their mental health like they realize now how important it is.”
The calls have come from individuals both directly and indirectly affected by Camila’s story. “I think a lot of people are just in shock and want to process their feelings and process, you know, their own selves,” Castellano added.
For those in need of assistance, NAMI encourages reaching out to their warm line for support.