National Alliance on Mental Illness Chris Bouneff

Because mental illness is a disease of the brain that impacts moods and behaviors, symptoms of these conditions are still more commonly blamed on character flaws, moral failings or, in the case of children, poor parenting.

Everything is so sad, why does this have to be me, I thought. No one understands. If I had a broken leg, people would know I was hurt, but people can’t see my pains inside. — Nik, in the 6 th grade

Broad-based grassroots organization with 1,700 members across Oregon. Volunteer-driven. Peers reaching out to peers. Mission-based charitable organization. State chapter with local chapters, some large enough to afford staff. Others very small. Local chapters deliver programs and services. NAMI in Oregon

NAMI Oregon is a statewide grassroots organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for individuals living with mental illness, as well as their families and loved ones. Under the umbrella of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, we serve all Oregonians through our education, support and advocacy at the state and county levels. Education Support Advocacy

Advocacy Inform state policies and legislation. Advocate with county mental health authorities and/or county commissions and departments. Work with city systems such as law enforcement. Advocate with health systems, such as hospitals, and other care providers.

All NAMI programs are peer-led. All NAMI programs are free to participants. All curriculum is nationally certified and evaluated. We do many public events and presentations that we count as advocacy and education.

Support Family Support Groups. Connection – Peer Support Group for any diagnosis. Partner support groups with Depression Bipolar Support Alliance. Dual Diagnosis Anonymous.

Support “First Step” support in acute care settings. Peer Advocacy and Community Supports (PACS) program. Writing groups, art groups, social gatherings, lending libraries. NIMH Outreach Partner. Statewide toll-free resource line:

Education When mental illness first strikes, few families know where to turn for help or where to find the right help. There is a 10-year delay from onset of first symptoms to treatment. What’s happening to me or my loved one? How do I know I’m getting the right advice or help? What do all those letters and titles mean?

Education NAMI offers classes and presentations for all those affected by mental illness, including individuals living with illness and their family members, friends and loved ones. NAMI programs fill in the information gaps in mental health treatment and support system.

Education Family-to-Family A 12-week class for family members and other friends and loved ones of an adult living with serious mental illness. This class discusses the clinical treatment of these illnesses and teaches the knowledge and skills that family members need to care for themselves as well as their loved ones. Basics A 6-week class for parents and other caregivers of children and teenagers who have either been diagnosed with a mental illness/emotional disturbance or who are experiencing symptoms but have not yet been diagnosed.

Education Peer-to-Peer A 10-week course for individuals living with mental illness with a focus on recovery from mental illness and maintaining recovery. Telling your story, relapse prevention planning, and an advance directive for psychiatric care are included in this class. In Our Own Voice An interactive, multimedia presentation by individuals living with mental illness that offers hope and provides insight into the recovery process.

New Programs Parents &Teachers as Allies A two-hour in-service training for teachers, school counselors and other education professionals that helps them identify the early warning signs of early-onset mental illnesses in children and teenagers in schools. It focuses on the specific, age-related symptoms of mental illnesses in youth, how best to intervene, and shares the lived experiences of consumers and families. Youth and Young Adult Support Groups NAMI support groups adapted for teenagers and young adults living with mental illness. Exploring adapting Family Support Group for teenage and young adult siblings.

Affiliates with staff: Clackamas Co. Lane Co. Multnomah Co. Washington Co. Education Support Advocacy Volunteer-run affiliates: Central Oregon Columbia Co. Coos Bay Klamath Falls Mid-Valley (Linn-Benton) Southern Oregon In development or to come: Clatsop Co. Eastern Oregon Marion/Polk Cos.

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