06/04/2026
Community Champion Spotlight
NAMI Keystone Pennsylvania
Led by Christine Michaels, CEO, and located in Pittsburgh, NAMI Keystone Pennsylvania is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides recovery-focused support, education, and advocacy to youth, adults, and families affected by mental health conditions in Allegheny County and regionally. They also promote awareness statewide, serving as the state office for the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization.
NAMI Keystone Pennsylvania and its affiliates offer free support groups that help peers and families affected by mental health conditions connect with other people who are experiencing similar feelings and situations. Their educational programs, which include three conferences annually and ongoing presentations, increase understanding of mental health, reduce stigma, and help people recognize warning signs, access resources, and respond with empathy.
Advocacy is also a strong component of NAMI Keystone Pennsylvania's mission. Their Adult Mental Health Advocacy Program helps people understand their rights to make informed decisions about their care, and they provide information on state and federal legislation, highlighting issues and projects that deserve attention and improve lives.
Through their work, NAMI Keystone Pennsylvania meets individuals and families where they are and helps them navigate challenges with hope, encouragement, and dignity. Their long-standing presence has allowed them to build strong relationships with individuals, families, schools, workplaces, providers, and community leaders in Allegheny County and statewide. By listening to the community and responding to evolving needs, NAMI Keystone Pennsylvania continues to be a reliable resource and a powerful voice for mental health support, education, and advocacy.
NAMI Keystone Pennsylvania will be honored formally at our 2026 "Celebrating Champions" event on October 14 at The The Westin Pittsburgh. For information on tickets and sponsorship opportunities, contact Debra Panie, director of development, at [email protected] or 412-864-3524.
