National Alliance on Mental Illness

NAMI is the National Alliance on Mental Illness, the nation's largest grassroots mental health organization.  Founded in 1979, NAMI has affiliates in every state and in more than 1,100 local communities.

Why do we exist?

We are a grassroots organization meeting the physical, mental, and in some cases the financial needs for thousands of mental illness sufferers and their families. Mental Illness is an issue for all humanity.

What have you accomplished?

NAMI, through its 1,100 affiliates and 52 state organizations including DC and Puerto Rico, helps thousands of families and individuals using public education, advocacy, public events and family and consumer peer education and support.   

I am reminded of a small child named Taylor who suffered from Asperger’s syndrome and bipolar disorder. Taylor’s illness, as you can imagine, affected every aspect of his families life. When they finally made contact with NAMI, it was after many, many calls and plenty of voice mails and unreturned calls. They were given the NAMI Maine number at a workshop and thought that they would give it a try. As they found out there was an actual living breathing person on the other end of the line, I asked a question and got an immediate answer. From that phone call on, NAMI has been a major part of this family’s life.  From support groups for their family to a member of the family serving on the State of Maine Planning Council for Federal Block Grant Funds, NAMI was the key in bringing support to this family.

	How do you help people in my community?		Why do you need my support?
	How can I be sure that you will use my money wisely and won't waste it?		Can I Volunteer? How?