NAMI Ramsey County

10/02/2025

Upcoming Classes

New Classes added daily, check here
https://namimn.org/education-and-public-awareness/classes/https-namimn-org-education-and-public-awareness-classes-all-scheduled-classes/

For questions about accessibility or to request accommodations, please contact the Workshop Coordinator at workshopreg@namimn.org or 651-645-2948. At least one week advance notice of need for accommodations is helpful.

Those who are interested in becoming a Family-to-Family leader must have taken the Family-to-Family course first. There are three classes available online

10/01/2025

A Legacy of Hope: Honoring Sue Abderholden’s Retirement NAMI Minnesota recently honored Sue Abderholden with A Legacy of Hope at the Wilder Foundation, celebrating her 24 years of transformative leadership as Executive Director. The evening featured heartfelt tributes from Governor Tim Walz, colleagues, and family, highlighting Sue's tireless advocacy and lasting impact on Minnesota's mental health system. The celebration closed with gratitude and applause, along with an invitation for supporters to carry Sue's legacy forward by contributing to NAMI Minnesota's endowment and general fund:

Donate in Sue's honor to the NAMI Minnesota Endowment Fund https://www.pledge.to/sue-s-retirement-party-endowment-fund
Donate in Sue's honor to the GENERAL FUNDhttps://www.pledge.to/sue-abderholden-legacy-of-hope-general-fund

09/30/2025

Stop Linking Mental Illnesses to Violence: Lawmakers Should Focus on Facts, Not Fear In the wake of recent tragedies, some Minnesota lawmakers are turning the conversation toward mental health or addressing access to guns. But as Sue Abderholden, Executive Director of NAMI Minnesota, warns, linking mental illness to violence is misleading and harmful. Research shows that most people living with mental illnesses are not violent, and scapegoating them only fuels discrimination while ignoring real solutions. In a recent Start Tribune article, Sue is urging legislators to focus on evidence-based policies, from strengthening red flag laws to expanding mental health support, without equating mental illnesses with mass shootings.

Find all mentions of NAMI Minnesota in the news here https://namimn.org/advocacy-and-laws/nami-in-the-news/

Mentions of NAMI Minnesota in the news: Marcus Schmit named executive director of NAMI Minnesota September-24-2025 Pioneer Press Minnesota Hospital

09/29/2025

Donate or Host a Fundraiser

Please donate now to help us keep NAMI Minnesota programs free and accessible. You can text NAMIMN to 707070 or click below Donate or Host a Fundraiser

Are you interested in holding an event or having a fundraiser for NAMI Minnesota but need help? Call 651-645-2948, Ext: 104, or email directorofdevelopment@namimn.org.

Donate and Support NAMI Minnesota! A majority of NAMI Minnesota's budget comes from individual donations.

09/28/2025

Let’s Talk About Su***de

Let’s replace silence with support, discrimination with compassion, and fear with hope. It's time to stop shaming people and being dismissive of others' feelings. Everyone deserves to be heard and understood.

Remember, by fostering an environment of support and empathy, we can make a difference in the lives of those who are struggling. Together, we can create a safe space for open conversations about mental health and su***de prevention.

09/28/2025

Join a NAMI Minnesota Support Group

New facilitators are being trained to deliver NAMI Minnesota Support Groups for people living with a mental illness and their families. Watch the website for new groups!

Want to learn more? Watch this video
https://www.nami.org/video-resource-library/nami-support-groups-a-safe-space/

09/27/2025

We are in 9th place of 189 teams! Help push is up in the leader board. The walk is today and mental health advocacy needs your support now more than ever!

https://www.namiwalks.org/teams/75621/donate

09/27/2025

Hispanic Heritage Month

The Hispanic/Latinx community in Minnesota is very diverse, including people from many different nations. Whether you are new to the country or have lived here for years, finding a community that understands your journey can be helpful. Stay connected and explore how NAMI Minnesota can support, educate, and advocate. If you are interested in bringing a presentation to your organization or community, consider Mental Health 101 for Cultural Communities, which introduces mental health concepts and initiates discussions around barriers to care. To request a presentation for your group or community in Spanish, email ffernandez@namimn.org or call (651) 645-2948 and ask for F***y. We also offer free, peer-led in-person and online support groups designed to create culturally safe, welcoming spaces for people living with mental illnesses and their families:

Spanish-Speaking Family Support Groups: For families who primarily speak Spanish, we offer two support groups—one online and one in-person at Wescott Library in Eagan.
BIPOC Support Groups: These online groups, including a specific one for BIPOC LGBTQIA2S+ people, provide a space to share experiences shaped by race, culture, and identity.

Learn more about the barriers to mental health care in the Hispanic/Latinx communities here.
https://www.nami.org/your-journey/identity-and-cultural-dimensions/hispanic-latinx/

09/26/2025

Let’s Talk About Su***de Prevention
A simple check-in, like "Hey, how are you?" can make a world of difference.

With just one conversation by asking someone how they’re really doing and being ready to listen, you can save a life. Remember, no one has to face this alone.

Help is out there, healing is possible, and it often begins with one person willing to reach out and start the conversation.

09/26/2025

NAMI Minnesota State Conference

Join us on Saturday, November 1, at the Saint Paul RiverCentre for the annual NAMI Minnesota State Conference. From 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., we will learn, connect, and mobilize for mental health equity. The day will close with a keynote by Hannah Wesolowski, Chief Advocacy Officer at NAMI National.

You’ll have the chance to choose from a variety of workshops on timely and essential topics, from su***de prevention strategies and art therapy to youth mental health, immigration, cannabis-induced psychosis, and more.

We will also celebrate the incredible contributions of this year’s award winners during the annual Awards Luncheon. General admission is $85. 4.5 CEUs for social workers, LPCs, LPCCs, and LMFTs.

2025 NAMI Minnesota State Conference

Date: Nov 1 • 9:00 am

Location: 175 Kellogg Boulevard, Saint Paul, MN 55102

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2025-nami-minnesota-state-conference-tickets-1538295566449?aff=ebdsshother&utm_share_source=listing_android&sg=4afdc178df7fab744b31cb638b47d9a3d3bac87e6679b0c65e325d9df92940f66f00686e23c1996933c3db4b763cf1bd4e7809aa72cad8fc8925708d812d8a31a58798dfd84609f9b7c02e2757

09/25/2025

NAMI Minnesota Welcomes New Executive Director

NAMI Minnesota is pleased to announce the appointment of Marcus Schmit as the organization's next Executive Director, beginning October 27. Marcus currently serves as Executive Director of Hearth Connection, a nonprofit focused on ending long-term homelessness through supportive housing and systems partnerships. With more than two decades of experience in nonprofit and public sector leadership, he brings a strong track record in public policy, systems change, and coalition-building. Marcus’ career includes serving as Assistant Commissioner at the Minnesota Department of Corrections, Director of Advocacy at Second Harvest Heartland, and senior roles with MNsure and in the Office of Congressman Tim Walz.

Both Marcus and Sue will join the community at NAMIWalks Minnesota on Saturday, September 27, at Minnehaha Regional Park. Join us and meet him!

I'm supporting NAMI!

09/25/2025

NAMIWalks Minnesota – Last Call

On Saturday, September 27, we will walk shoulder to shoulder with people living with a mental illness, their families whose experiences and stories have guided our legislative goals, providers, and community leaders. We hope to see you there. This year is especially meaningful, as it will be Sue Abderholden's final walk as our Executive Director.

"On Saturday, I'll walk for the last time as NAMI Minnesota's Executive Director. This event will mark the final step in my long Minnesota goodbye since announcing my retirement. I've had the privilege of celebrating with you at breakfasts, luncheons, garden parties, galas, and even my retirement party. I've traveled across Minnesota, shared countless conversations, and given many interviews. But I still haven't had the chance to hug everyone, thank you personally, and walk beside you one last time. Please join me this Saturday to share this milestone in my life. Additionally, the new NAMI Minnesota executive director will attend! I would love to introduce him personally to you. The weather will be perfect—bring your family, friends, and coworkers. Let's make it a day to remember."

—Sue Abderholden

Executive Director, NAMI Minnesota

We're close to reaching our fundraising goal but we're not there yet. Every dollar raised helps NAMI Minnesota remain strong, independent, and ready to take action: fighting discrimination, expanding access to care, and giving hope to those affected by mental illnesses. If you haven't registered yet, now is the time. If you already have, invite more people to join you. Together, we can cross the finish line.