NAMI Illinois is the not-for-profit statewide organization of the National Alliance on Mental Illness
With more than 210,000 members, NAMI (the National Alliance on Mental Illness)
is the nation's leading grassroots advocacy organization solely dedicated to
improving the quality of life for individuals living with mental illnesses and their
families.
05/30/2026
Meaningful conversations, innovative programs, and a shared commitment to mental health for all. 💙
At , it was an honor for NAMI Illinois to connect with NAMI National leaders and partners advancing Chai & Chat, Sharing Hope, Sacred Circle, and Men’s Mental Health initiatives. Together, we’re building stronger communities, reducing stigma, and creating spaces where everyone can find connection, support, and hope.
05/29/2026
The NAMI Illinois team had a blast at this week! Thanks for having us, 💚
05/28/2026
Today members of our NAMI Illinois alliance gathered at to meet new colleagues, share ideas, and grow relationships between affiliates. Thank you to all who joined us!
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05/28/2026
Thank you to everyone who participated in our Mental Health Awareness Month campaign!
Your support, engagement, and willingness to help raise awareness around mental health make a meaningful difference.
Together, we are helping reduce stigma, encourage conversation, and remind people that they are not alone.
Thank you for being part of this important movement toward understanding, hope, and connection!
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¡Gracias a todas las personas que participaron en nuestra campaña del Mes de la Concientización sobre la Salud Mental!
Su apoyo, compromiso y disposición para ayudar a crear conciencia sobre la salud mental marcan una diferencia significativa.
Juntos estamos ayudando a reducir el estigma, fomentar la conversación y recordarles a las personas que no están solas.
¡Gracias por ser parte de este importante movimiento hacia la comprensión, la esperanza y la conexión!
05/28/2026
Start your day with nourishment for your body and your mind! 🍳🧠 We are thrilled to invite you to a FREE Community Mental Health Breakfast on Saturday, May 30th, from 10:30 AM to 1:00 PM at the Chicago Ridge Public Library.
This empowering morning is dedicated to mental wellness, community support, and holistic healing. Whether you are looking for resources for yourself, supporting a loved one, or simply wanting to learn more, this inclusive and family-friendly event is for YOU!
The best part? It's completely FREE to attend, with no registration required! This is made possible by the sponsor, . PLUS, any OPTIONAL donations made to NAMI Illinois during the event are eligible to be MATCHED up to 3x by our host, Dr. Calynn Lawrence (Founder of + NAMI Illinois Board Member - State Development Chair), and her employer! 💙
📍 Where: Chicago Ridge Public Library (10400 Oxford Ave, Chicago Ridge, IL 60415)
⏰ When: May 30, 2026 | 10:30 AM – 1:00 PM
💸 Cost: 100% Free (No registration required!)
Come eat, drink and fellowship with an amazing lineup of mental health professionals, advocates, and community leaders. We can't wait to see you there!
Save Your Seat ⬇️⬇️
https://www.holistichealingsource.org/2026/04/free-community-mental-health-breakfast.html
05/28/2026
Members from our NAMI Illinois team had a blast at today! Thanks for grabbing a picture with us,
05/27/2026
NAMI Provider is an evidence-based training program designed for healthcare professionals and staff working directly with people affected by mental illness. Led by instructors with lived experience — including a person in recovery, a family member, and a mental health professional — the program helps participants build empathy, reduce stigma, and strengthen collaborative care practices.
Participants gain deeper insight into the experiences of individuals and families impacted by mental illness while increasing confidence in providing compassionate, recovery-oriented support.
Available for healthcare providers, administrative staff, operational teams, and students in healthcare training programs.
Find out if this powerful program could help your organization strengthen compassionate care, reduce stigma, and improve engagement with individuals and families affected by mental illness.
Learn more here:https://www.nami.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/NAMI-Provider.pdf
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NAMI Provider es un programa de capacitación basado en evidencia, diseñado para profesionales de la salud y personal que trabaja directamente con personas afectadas por enfermedades mentales. Dirigido por instructores con experiencia vivida —incluyendo una persona en recuperación, un familiar y un profesional de la salud mental—, el programa ayuda a los participantes a desarrollar empatía, reducir el estigma y fortalecer prácticas de atención colaborativa.
Los participantes adquieren una comprensión más profunda de las experiencias de las personas y familias impactadas por enfermedades mentales, al mismo tiempo que aumentan su confianza para brindar un apoyo compasivo y orientado a la recuperación.
Disponible para proveedores de salud, personal administrativo, equipos operativos y estudiantes en programas de formación en el área de la salud.
Descubra si este poderoso programa puede ayudar a su organización a fortalecer la atención compasiva, reducir el estigma y mejorar la conexión con personas y familias afectadas por enfermedades mentales.
Obtén más información aquí:https://www.nami.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/NAMI-Provider.pdf
05/26/2026
Care is more than a service — it’s human connection. This week, we’re highlighting Care Providers: Bridging the Gap to Compassionate Care.
Compassionate, culturally responsive, and person-centered support can make a lasting difference for individuals and families affected by mental illness.
Discover how NAMI Provider helps healthcare teams reduce stigma, build empathy, and bring recovery-oriented care to the front lines.
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El cuidado es más que un servicio: es una conexión humana.
Esta semana destacamos a los proveedores de cuidado — cerrando brechas hacia una atención compasiva.
El cuidado compasivo, culturalmente pertinente y centrado en la persona puede transformar vidas.
Acompáñanos mientras reconocemos a las personas y organizaciones que están reimaginando el cuidado en todo Illinois.
05/25/2026
Our Affiliate Spotlight shines on National Alliance on Mental Illness - Cook County North Suburban.
Serving communities across the North Suburbs, NAMI CCNS provides vital mental health education, support, and advocacy to individuals and families throughout the region.
Join them on June 6 for the Team Taylor Brothers Memorial Walk, Golf Outing, and Happy Hour. A full day event that brings the community together in support of mental health awareness and resources.
🗓️ June 6, 2026�
⏰ 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM�
📍 Techny Prairie Park and Fields, Northbrook
Learn more or register here: https://www.namiccns.org/calendar/team-taylor-brothers-memorial-walk-golf-outing-happy-hour/
05/23/2026
NAMI Illinois was recently featured in an The BGA's Illinois Answers Project article examining the role of mental health courts across the state.
“Mental health courts aren’t a solution. They’re a symptom of our systemic problems in the mental health system,” said Tony Ohlhausen, Director of Research and Policy at NAMI Illinois.
“They do great work, and people do benefit from them. But I would categorize mental health courts as a band-aid.”
While mental health courts can provide meaningful support for some individuals, we must continue advocating for stronger community-based mental health systems rooted in prevention, early intervention, and timely access to care.
People deserve support before they ever enter the criminal legal system.
Read the full article here: https://illinoisanswers.org/2026/04/27/mental-health-courts-prison-illinois/