NAMI Mid-Hudson

NAMI Mid-Hudson NAMI Mid-Hudson is dedicated to building better lives
for those living with a mental health condition and their
families in Dutchess and Ulster Counties.

In Image 1 Amanda (NAMI Mid-Hudson intern), Jo Ann (NAMI Mid-Hudson ED), and Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger, who st...
09/06/2025

In Image 1 Amanda (NAMI Mid-Hudson intern), Jo Ann (NAMI Mid-Hudson ED), and Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger, who stopped by our table at the EllenWell Community Event to chat and celebrate community wellness. 🌿💙
In Image 2 we give heartfelt thanks to Janet Nuñez, Site Program Manager at the Trudy Farber Resnick Center in Ellenville, and Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger, whose leadership and support made the EllenWell Community Event possible!
In Image 3 Jo Ann and Jen enjoy conversation at the EllenWell Community Event – connecting, and collaborating in the spirit of community wellness. ✨💙

Are your kids heading back to school? While you’re collecting everything on your classroom supplies list, remember to ad...
08/28/2025

Are your kids heading back to school? While you’re collecting everything on your classroom supplies list, remember to add “mental health and wellness strategies.” Then visit nami.org/BackToSchool to learn how you can support your children’s mental wellness.

08/26/2025

🧠 How to Handle Denial of Illness

One of the most challenging parts of supporting someone with a brain disorder is when they don’t believe they’re ill. This isn’t stubbornness—it’s often part of the disorder itself. The medical term for this is anosognosia, which means “lack of insight.”

💡 What you can do:

Stay calm: Arguing rarely helps and can damage trust.

Build trust: Focus on your relationship, not the illness.

Use “I” statements: Instead of “You’re sick,” try “I notice you seem more stressed lately.”

Offer choices: People are more open when they feel in control.

Seek professional help: Doctors, therapists, and peer support groups can provide guidance.

Denial of illness is heartbreaking, but patience and persistence matter. With compassion, consistency, and the right support, progress is possible.

👉 Remember: the person isn’t being difficult—the illness is.

Provided by the Brett M. Staples Brain Disorder Awareness Coalition
🌐 brettstaples.org | 📧 bmsbdac@gmail.com

08/26/2025

🧠 Common Myths About Brain Disorders 🧠

There are many misunderstandings about brain disorders, and these myths can cause stigma and prevent people from getting the help they need. Let’s clear up a few:

❌ Myth 1: Brain disorders are rare.

✅ Reality: Millions of people live with brain disorders worldwide—conditions like epilepsy, Parkinson’s, schizophrenia, and brain injury are more common than most realize.

❌ Myth 2: People with brain disorders are dangerous.

✅ Reality: Most people with brain disorders are not violent. In fact, they are far more likely to be victims of violence than to commit it.

❌ Myth 3: Brain disorders are the person’s fault.

✅ Reality: No one chooses to have a brain disorder. These conditions are medical in nature, just like heart disease or diabetes.

❌ Myth 4: Recovery isn’t possible.

✅ Reality: With treatment, support, and understanding, many people living with brain disorders can manage symptoms and live meaningful lives.

💡 Breaking down these myths helps build compassion, reduce stigma, and create a society where people with brain disorders can thrive.

—
Provided by the Brett M. Staples Brain Disorder Awareness Coalition
🌐 brettstaples.org | 📧 bmsbdac@gmail.com

08/26/2025

Some stories stay with you—not because they’re easy to hear, but because they change the way you see the world. Brett Staples was more than his diagnosis. He...

Back-to-School Season Is Here! 📚✏️As you check off your supply list, make sure mental health is on it, too. 💙NAMI’s Back...
08/13/2025

Back-to-School Season Is Here! 📚✏️
As you check off your supply list, make sure mental health is on it, too. 💙
NAMI’s Back-to-School resource hub has tools, tips, and support for students, parents, and educators—because starting the school year strong means caring for your mind as well as your backpack.
👉 Visit nami.org/BackToSchool to explore how you can support your child’s mental wellness.
-Hudson

08/01/2025

Are you or someone you know living with a mental health condition? The Peer-to-Peer program is here to offer support, connection, and education!

Join Jo Ann, Executive Director at NAMI Mid-Hudson, and Danielle, our Peer-to-Peer facilitator, as they invite you to be part of this 8-session, recovery-focused course for adults with mental health conditions.

When: Thursdays, 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Dates: August 7 – September 25

Where: Online via Zoom

This course will provide you with the knowledge and tools to navigate your mental health journey. You’ll also connect with others in similar situations and share experiences in a supportive, confidential space.

On Monday, July 14, NAMI Mid-Hudson, in partnership with Ellenville Regional Rural Health Network, presented Ending the ...
07/26/2025

On Monday, July 14, NAMI Mid-Hudson, in partnership with Ellenville Regional Rural Health Network, presented Ending the Silence at Ellenville Regional Hospital. 💬🧠
This powerful and engaging presentation helps individuals learn how to recognize the warning signs of mental health conditions and su***de—and most importantly, what steps to take if you or someone you love is showing symptoms. Early intervention saves lives.
👏 Huge shout out to our incredible NAMI Mid-Hudson team—Jo Ann, Rob, and our inspiring Young Adult Presenter, Moorea. And special thanks to Samantha Riley, Executive Director of ERRHN, for helping make this meaningful event possible.
🍕And of course—a big thank you to Stupid Delicious Pizza for the amazing pizza and for always supporting our cause!
💚 Most of all, thank you to our incredible community—everyone who attended, asked questions, and showed up with open hearts. Together, we’re ending the silence around mental health.

On Saturday, July 19, Natalie represented NAMI Mid-Hudson at the NECC Farmers Market in Millerton, NY! 💚Big thanks to Ka...
07/22/2025

On Saturday, July 19, Natalie represented NAMI Mid-Hudson at the NECC Farmers Market in Millerton, NY! 💚
Big thanks to Katie, the amazing Market Manager, for welcoming us. It’s always a joy connecting with the community—and this market was full of heart! Incredible local farms, fresh food, beautiful art, the Millerton Library, and great music made for a truly special day. 🎶🍅🎨📚
Shout out to everyone who stopped by to say hello, grab resources, and support mental health awareness. We’re so grateful!
📸 Pictured above from left: Katie (Market Manager) and Natalie P. (Program Director, NAMI Mid-Hudson)

A Heartfelt Thank You to Gloria and Phoenix! 🌟Today, we want to shine a light on Gloria and her daughter Phoenix for the...
05/13/2025

A Heartfelt Thank You to Gloria and Phoenix! 🌟
Today, we want to shine a light on Gloria and her daughter Phoenix for their incredible support of NAMI Mid-Hudson!
Gloria shares their powerful story:
“We are supporting an organization that supported us in our time of need. NAMI Mid-Hudson has literally saved my daughter’s life. If it wasn’t for the Ending the Silence presentation at her school, she may not have spoken up about what she was feeling inside and may not still be with us today. Thank you, NAMI Mid-Hudson, for your free Family and Friends Seminar, the evidence-based Family-to-Family 8-week class, and for going into middle and high schools to help students learn about mental health and the importance of reaching out to a Trusted Adult if they are struggling!”
💙 We are beyond grateful to Gloria and Phoenix for sharing their journey and for raising awareness and funds to support mental health in our community. Your voices and efforts make a difference!
-HudsonCommunity

✨ Community Impact in Action! ✨On May 5th, 2025, NAMI Mid-Hudson and the Ulster County Department of Mental Health hoste...
05/12/2025

✨ Community Impact in Action! ✨
On May 5th, 2025, NAMI Mid-Hudson and the Ulster County Department of Mental Health hosted a powerful Community Ending the Silence presentation at the American Legion Post 193 in Highland, NY.
This inspiring event created a safe space for open conversations about mental health, su***de prevention, and available support resources. 💙
🌟 Three passionate presenters shared their personal stories—highlighting the importance of recognizing early warning signs, building community support, and breaking the stigma surrounding mental health. The stories of resilience and positive coping strategies truly moved everyone present.
We were honored to welcome James Amenta, Deputy Ulster County Executive, who acknowledged the presentation’s powerful impact.
A huge THANK YOU to everyone who made this event possible! Through education, connection, and understanding, we continue to foster healing and hope for all.
📸 The group photo features James Amenta, Jo Ann Brown (NAMI Mid-Hudson Executive Director), Harris (guest), Meara (Young Adult presenter), and Rob (NAMI Mid-Hudson Program Coordinator).

05/03/2025

You're invited to a powerful community event featuring NAMI Ending the Silence, an engaging presentation designed to help you:

Address

PO Box 787
Poughkeepsie, NY
12602

Telephone

+18452069892

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when NAMI Mid-Hudson posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Practice

Send a message to NAMI Mid-Hudson:

Shortcuts

Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on LinkedIn
Share on Pinterest Share on Reddit Share via Email
Share on WhatsApp Share on Instagram Share on Telegram

Find Help. Find Hope.

NAMI Mid-Hudson, Inc. or NAMI MH is the local affiliate of NAMI. NAMI Mid-Hudson is Incorporated and a 501(c)(3) organization serving the people of Dutchess and Ulster Counties in New York since 1981. Our office is located in Poughkeepsie NY.

OUR MISSION


  • ADVOCATE for and support individuals with mental illnesses, family members and their loved ones.

  • ERADICATE stigma.