NAMI Illinois

04/13/2026

Some individuals who take certain mental health medications may be at risk for developing tardive dyskinesia, often called TD.

This condition can develop after months or years of treatment and is more likely to affect people who use antipsychotic medications long-term.

Awareness is essential. If you or someone you love notices new or unusual movements while taking a prescribed medication, start a conversation with a healthcare provider. Recognizing the signs early can help people better understand their options and feel supported.

Education reduces stigma and empowers individuals to advocate for their health.

04/10/2026

Join us for the NAMI Illinois Statewide Conference 2026
🗓 October 23–24, 2026
📍 Benedictine University | Lisle, Illinois

Bridging Gaps by Reimagining Community Care

Together, we will explore new ways of building connections, expanding access, and strengthening the mental health support our communities deserve.

Whether you are an advocate, provider, peer, family member, or community leader, this space is for you. Stay tuned!


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Acompáñanos a la conferencia estatal de NAMI Illinois 2026
🗓 23 y 24 de octubre de 2026
📍 Benedictine University | Lisle, Illinois

Cerrando brechas al reimaginar el cuidado comunitario

Juntos, exploraremos nuevas formas de construir conexiones, ampliar el acceso y fortalecer el apoyo en salud mental que nuestras comunidades merecen.

Ya seas defensor/a, proveedor/a, par, familiar o líder comunitario, este espacio es para ti. ¡Mantente al tanto!

04/09/2026

It Takes a community! NAMI and The Loft at Eight Corners are partnering with West 40 ISC #2 to host a zoom call for youth in the community.

This will be a safe space where teens can talk about current stressors, ways they are managing stress, and find connections/help from local resources.

This event will be on Zoom, and you must sign up to register for this event.

This event is bilingual (English and Spanish) on Wednesday April 15 from 6-7pm.


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¡Se necesita una comunidad! NAMI y The Loft at Eight Corners se han asociado con West 40 ISC #2 para organizar una sesión de Zoom dirigida a los jóvenes de la comunidad.

Será un espacio seguro donde los adolescentes podrán hablar sobre los factores de estrés actuales, las formas en que están manejando el estrés y encontrar conexiones o ayuda a través de recursos locales.

Este evento se llevará a cabo en Zoom, y es necesario inscribirse para participar.

El evento será bilingüe (inglés y español) y tendrá lugar el miércoles 15 de abril de 6 a 7 de la tarde.

04/09/2026

April is National Minority Health Month.

This observance highlights the importance of improving health outcomes and reducing disparities that impact communities of color and marginalized populations.

NAMI Illinois supports this work through programs designed to meet communities where they are.

Sharing Hope is a three-part video series that explores mental wellness in Black communities through storytelling, dialogue, and guided discussion.

Chai and Chat creates space for open conversations about mental health within South Asian communities, helping to reduce stigma and build understanding.

Learn more about these programs and additional resources at namiillinois.org

04/08/2026

Recently, NAMI Illinois trained 70 new program leaders across 9 programs during our state training.

We are excited to see the impact these new leaders will have as they bring education, support, and advocacy programs back to their local affiliates and communities across Illinois. This is how continues to expand access to mental health support across our state.

Thank you to the 18 state trainers who led these trainings and helped prepare the next group of program leaders.

04/07/2026

When families are facing a mental health crisis, having the right support can make all the difference.

In our latest State Trainer interview, a Family to Family leader shares how the program gave her practical tools and real information during one of the most difficult times in her life. Even with a background in healthcare, she found guidance, clarity, and community through NAMI.

These are the voices behind our programs. This is the impact of trained leaders across Illinois.

Check out the interview and learn how you can get involved.

04/07/2026

The NAMI Illinois Learning Exchange brings together community members, providers, peers, and advocates to explore today’s most pressing mental health topics.

This upcoming session will provide an overview of the urgent mental health crisis in the United States and the growing need for modernized policy frameworks that ensure timely access to newly FDA approved treatments.

Participants will also learn about an emerging class of potential treatments, prescription psychedelic medicines, and their potential to transform care for serious mental health conditions through safe, evidence-based approaches integrated into mainstream medicine.

Join the conversation and learn more about the future of mental health care: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/Wkfw3wNzRYGxw3dJmtjOKw #/registration

04/06/2026

As Tax Day approaches, there is an important deadline many people may not realize is the same day, the Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) deadline for the 2025 tax season.

If you are 73 or older and have an IRA, you are required to take a distribution by April 15 to avoid penalties.

There is a tax-savvy way to do it: when you donate your RMD directly to a qualified 501(c)(3) nonprofit, the full distribution can go to a cause you care about, instead of a portion going to federal taxes.

For individuals in higher tax brackets, RMDs taken as income can be taxed as ordinary income. A Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) allows you to support nonprofit organizations while potentially reducing your tax burden.
Learn more about Qualified Charitable Distributions here:
https://namiillinois.org/qcd-donations/

The material presented on this site is not offered as legal or tax advice. For assistance with your particular situation, please consult your financial advisor, attorney, tax advisor, or other financial professional.

04/02/2026

So grateful for time spent with our incredible NAMI family in Champaign.

NAMI Illinois Executive Director Sara Gray and Board President Carrie Worthington had the opportunity to attend NAMI Champaign’s March Gladness event, an afternoon full of positivity, growth, and connection. From planting pansies to backwards trivia, it was a beautiful reminder of the joy and community that power this work.

We were especially honored to join NAMI Champaign’s leadership, board members, NAMI On Campus leaders, and facilitators for dinner. The conversation was thoughtful and inspiring, with space to reflect, share, and discuss hopes, vision, and priorities for the NAMI Illinois Alliance.

Moments like these strengthen our connection across affiliates and remind us that we are truly building this movement together. 💚💙

04/01/2026

03/31/2026

Today we recognize and celebrate the strength, contributions, and lives of transgender and nonbinary people.

It is also a day to raise awareness about the discrimination and barriers many trans individuals continue to face, including inequities in healthcare, housing, employment, and mental health support.

In Illinois, organizations are working every day to support transgender individuals and advance gender affirming care and mental health resources, including:
Brave Space Alliance, Howard Brown Health, and Trans Lifeline.

At NAMI Illinois, we believe education, advocacy, and community support are essential to mental wellness for all.

03/31/2026

https://conta.cc/4sQEzTu

Email from NAMI Illinois Stories, connection, and action—see how we’re reimagining community care across Illinois Mental Health Awareness Month Bridging Gaps by Reimagining Community Care   Dear NAMI