National Alliance on Mental Illness

National Alliance on Mental Illness is a non-profit organization that focuses on mental health advocacy, support groups, and education for individuals and families affected by mental illness, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and depression. The organization was founded in 1979 by Harriet Shetler and Beverly Young, and has since grown to become one of the largest and most influential mental health organizations in the United States, with partnerships with American Psychological Association, National Institute of Mental Health, and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. The organization has also collaborated with World Health Organization, American Psychiatric Association, and National Alliance on Mental Illness has been recognized by USA Today, The New York Times, and CNN for its efforts in promoting mental health awareness and reducing stigma around mental illness.

● History

The organization was founded in 1979 by Harriet Shetler and Beverly Young, two mothers who were frustrated with the lack of support and resources available for families affected by mental illness. The organization initially focused on providing support groups and education for families, but has since expanded its mission to include advocacy and policy work, partnering with organizations such as American Civil Liberties Union, National Council on Disability, and Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law. The organization has also worked with U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and U.S. Department of Education to promote mental health awareness and improve access to care. Throughout its history, the organization has been led by notable figures such as Laurie Flynn, Michael Fitzpatrick, and Mary Giliberti, who have worked to advance the organization's mission and promote mental health awareness, including World Mental Health Day, Mental Health Awareness Month, and National Depression Screening Day.

● Mission_and_Objectives

The organization's mission is to provide support, education, and advocacy for individuals and families affected by mental illness, with the goal of improving access to care and promoting mental health awareness, in collaboration with organizations such as National Institute of Mental Health, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, and American Psychological Association. The organization's objectives include providing support groups and education for families, promoting research and treatment for mental illness, and advocating for policy changes that improve access to care, working with U.S. Congress, White House, and state legislatures. The organization also aims to reduce stigma around mental illness and promote mental health awareness through public education campaigns, such as National Alliance on Mental Illness's CureStigma campaign, and partnerships with media outlets, such as CNN, NBC News, and The New York Times.

● Programs_and_Services

The organization offers a range of programs and services for individuals and families affected by mental illness, including support groups, education and training, and advocacy and policy work, in partnership with organizations such as American Psychiatric Association, National Association of Social Workers, and American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. The organization's programs include the Family-to-Family Education Program, which provides education and support for families, and the Peer-to-Peer Program, which provides support and mentorship for individuals with mental illness, as well as National Alliance on Mental Illness's Helpline and Online Support Groups. The organization also offers training and technical assistance for mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and social workers, and has collaborated with American Medical Association, American Nurses Association, and National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors.

● Advocacy_and_Policy

The organization is a leading advocate for mental health policy and legislation, working to improve access to care and promote mental health awareness, in partnership with organizations such as American Civil Liberties Union, National Council on Disability, and Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law. The organization has worked to pass legislation such as the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act, which requires health insurance companies to provide equal coverage for mental health and substance use disorders, and the 21st Century Cures Act, which provides funding for mental health research and treatment, and has collaborated with U.S. Congress, White House, and state legislatures. The organization also works to promote policy changes at the state and local level, partnering with National Governors Association, National Conference of State Legislatures, and National Association of Counties.

● Education_and_Support

The organization provides a range of education and support services for individuals and families affected by mental illness, including support groups, education and training, and online resources, in partnership with organizations such as American Psychological Association, National Institute of Mental Health, and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. The organization's education programs include the Family-to-Family Education Program and the Peer-to-Peer Program, which provide education and support for families and individuals with mental illness, as well as National Alliance on Mental Illness's Online Education Center and National Alliance on Mental Illness's Helpline. The organization also offers online resources and publications, such as National Alliance on Mental Illness's blog and National Alliance on Mental Illness's newsletter, and has collaborated with World Health Organization, American Psychiatric Association, and National Association of Social Workers.

● Chapters_and_Affiliates

The organization has a network of chapters and affiliates across the United States, which provide support groups, education, and advocacy services for individuals and families affected by mental illness, in partnership with organizations such as American Red Cross, United Way, and Salvation Army. The organization's chapters and affiliates are located in states such as California, New York, and Texas, and offer a range of programs and services tailored to the needs of their local communities, including support groups, education and training, and advocacy and policy work, and have collaborated with National Governors Association, National Conference of State Legislatures, and National Association of Counties. The organization's chapters and affiliates are also involved in fundraising and awareness-raising efforts, such as walks and runs, and have partnered with corporate sponsors, such as Johnson & Johnson, Pfizer, and Eli Lilly and Company.

Category:Mental health organizations