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HISTORY AND MISSION
Founded in
1983, NAMI PA ( National Alliance on Mental Illness of Pennsylvania)
is the largest statewide non-profit organization dedicated to helping
mental health consumers and their families rebuild their lives and conquer
the challenges posed by severe and persistent mental illness.
This mission is accomplished through programs designed to offer support
and education to our membership and to advocate for better mental health
services on their behalf.
We also strive to educate the public about the true nature of mental illness
to combat the stigma and discrimination often faced by persons with mental
illness.
Support
More than 60 affiliates meet across the Commonwealth in support of these
programs. A wide variety of support activities are carried on by our affiliates
including family support group meetings, consumer specific support group
meetings, NAMI-CAN (Children and
Adolescents Network) for young families, and NAMI-CARE (Consumers Advocation
for REcovery). Our affiliate
calendar provides a ready reference of meeting times and contacts.
Education
NAMI PA offers the Family to Family Education
course for members who have adult children and an educational programs
specific to the needs of families of children and adolescents. Peer
to Peer is a consumer to consumer mentoring program, and In
Our Own Voice provides training for consumers in recovery on public
presentations about mental illnesses and their experiences. Our Provider
training specifically addresses the NAMI perspective to professionals
in mental health. The Support Group Facilitator Training teaches the skills
necessary to run an effective support group. The Annual
Conference in the fall is an opportunity for education on cutting
edge topics in mental health and features nationally known presenters.
Forensics trainings for criminal justice professionals and Criminal Justice
Symposium are signature events, and participation in the Open Your Mind public
education campaign are also part of the NAMI PA effort.
Advocacy
NAMI advocates vigorously for systems change,
implementation of humane and thoughtful policies, and provides input on
legislation and executive direction on specific issues in an on-going
basis.
If you have questions about mental
illness or our support services, want to find the NAMI PA affiliate in
your community, become a member, or make a tax-deductible donation, please
call us at 717-238-1514, or toll-free in PA 1-800-223-0500.
Office hours are 9 am-5 pm, Monday through Friday.
President: Jyoti Shah, M.D.
Executive Director: James W Jordan Jr.
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