What We Do
NAMI offers the understanding that only those with the lived experience of mental illness can provide. Together with our grassroots volunteers, we work every day to provide help and hope to millions of Americans. Support, Education, Awareness, Advocacy, Research
Every day, we reach out and respond to those in need. As the navigator of our nine signature education programs, offered in th
ousands of communities across America through our NAMI State Organizations NAMI Affiliates, we ensure hundreds of thousands of families, individuals and educators are served. NAMI is tireless in our efforts to equip and train grassroots volunteer facilitators who provide individual and family support groups in thousands of communities across America. Through the toll-free NAMI HelpLine, we respond personally to hundreds of thousands of requests each year, providing free referral, information and support—a much-needed lifeline for many. Public awareness events and activities including Mental Illness Awareness Week (MIAW), NAMIWalks, and other efforts, successfully combat stigma, promote awareness and encourage understanding. By responding to current news events as they happen, NAMI ensures that media reporting is compassionate, understanding and accurate in portrayals of mental illness—NAMI promotes solutions. Each day, NAMI effectively shapes the national public policy landscape for people with mental illness and their families and equips grassroots volunteer leaders with the tools, resources and skills necessary to save mental health in all states. NAMI reaches out to our country’s youth and young adults, helping to shape the next generation’s experiences with recovery, encouraging a better tomorrow for all Americans. Recognizing the unique needs of our American heroes and their families, NAMI aggressively reaches out to help offer free and essential NAMI education and support group programs in thousands of local communities. NAMI actively promotes mental health care, support and a caring community for our veterans, their spouses and their children. Tirelessly promoting research, as they have done for decades, NAMI ensures solutions for early intervention, improved treatments and, eventually, a cure for mental illness. Continuing to build and cultivate virtual communities that reach millions of Americans who turn to NAMI through NAMI.org and social media channels for the latest information on treatment, services, supports, advocacy, research happenings, NAMI works every day to offer inspiration, information and encouragement.
