What We Do:
Support - Members help each other cope, and get through hard times. They share information and experiences with local services and professionals. A warm circle of friends offers support and hope. Education - Long term mental illnesses such as schizophrenia and major and manic depression are biochemically caused brain diseases. They are not caused by a poor home environment. They are not the result of character flaws. Scientific research has demonstrated these truths. Public education lacks sadly behind. We are changing that, working through TV, radio and the press. Advocacy - At all three levels National, State and Local, we give you a strong voice to help change services in your city and state for the better, and to effect changes in national laws that affect your family. Research - Major depressive disorders are disrupting the lives of more than 10 million Americans. More than 100,000 new cases of schizophrenia are diagnosed in the U.S. Most of these occur in young people aged 16 - 25. Yet less is being spent on schizophrenia research than is spent on research regarding diseases of the teeth and gums. NAMI is pressing for government funding and working toward privately funded research. We do not provide clinical care, nor are we a licensed psychiatric facility. We do seek to assist individuals and families in finding the professional help they need. We do not charge people for the these or any of our community services.
