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Founded
NAMI was founded in Madison, Wisconsin by Harriet Shetler and Beverly Young. The two women cared for sons diagnosed with schizophrenia,and were tired of their sons being blamed for their mental illness. -
The mission
Unhappy with the lack of services available and the treatment of those living with mental illness, the women sought out others with similar concerns. NAMI works to keep family safety nets in place, to promote recovery and to reduce the burden on an overwhelmed mental health care delivery system, NAMI works to eliminate pervasive stigma, to effect positive changes in the mental health system and to increase public and professional understanding about mental illness -
Grew Stronger
The first meeting held to address these issues in mental health was much larger than expected, and eventually led to the formation of the National Alliance on Mental Illness -
What conditions they help with
NAMI helps with:
ADHD.
Autism.
Borderline Personality Disorder.
Depression.
Dissociative Disorders.
Eating Disorders.
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder.
Schizoaffective Disorder. -
Programs
Some of the programs listed are:
NAMI Family-to-Family
NAMI Homefront
NAMI Peer-to-Peer -
September
September
Suicide Prevention Awareness Month
September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month and on Sept. 10, we observe World Suicide Prevention Day. It is a time to talk about issues relating to suicide prevention, promote resources and awareness, how you can help others and how to talk about suicide without increasing the risk of harm. -
NAMI in July
July
National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month
In 2008, the U.S. House of Representatives designated July as Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month in honor of the leading African American novelist and journalist, who also was a voice for individuals and families affected by mental Illness. She died in 2006. -
October
Mental Illness Awareness Week
In 1990, the U.S. Congress established the first full week of October as Mental Illness Awareness Week (MIAW) in recognition of NAMI's efforts to raise mental illness awareness. Since then, mental health advocates across the country have joined with others in their communities to sponsor activities, large or small, for public education about mental illness. -
Presentations
They help educate with the following presentations:
NAMI Sharing Hope
NAMI Parents & Teachers as Allies
NAMI In Our Own Voice
NAMI Ending the Silence -
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May Awareness Events
Mental Health Month
During Mental Health Month, NAMI joins the mental health community to reaffirm our commitment to building our understanding of mental illness, increasing access to treatment and ensuring those who are struggling to know they are not alone.
Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week
NAMI joins communities around the country in raising awareness of the mental health needs of America’s youth, with a focus on National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day.
