National Allianceon Mental Illness

Chris Bouneffchris@namior.org

503-230-8009www.namior.org

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 6th 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: 800-343-6264

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-FamilyA 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.

• BasicsA 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-PeerA 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 VoiceAn interactive, multimedia presentation by individuals living with mental

illness that offers hope and provides insight into the recovery process.

New Programs

• Parents &Teachers as AlliesA 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 GroupsNAMI 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.

Education Support Advocacy

Contact Us503-230-8009

800-343-6264

www.namior.org

namioregon@namior.org