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Thank you to the Office of the NYS Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli for inviting NAMI NYS Executive Director Nathan McLaughlin to speak on your ADA anniversary panel. We’re honored to celebrate the progress of the Americans with Disabilities Act and continue advocating for mental health equity for all.
Check the posts out!
| | NAMI NYS 2025 Education Conference | | |
Save the Date: NAMI NYS 2025 Education Conference
Join us November 14–16, 2025, in Albany, NY for the NAMI NYS Annual Education Conference—our flagship event bringing together mental health advocates, families, peers, and professionals from across the state.
For over 40 years, this conference has provided cutting-edge education, critical resources, and a platform to explore advancements and address challenges in mental health. This year’s theme, “Empowering Ourselves through Connection, Compassion, Coping, Community and Care,” reflects our commitment to collective action, innovation, and building communities that support recovery.
Whether you're an individual with lived experience, a family member, provider, or policymaker, this event offers something for everyone involved in the mental health journey.
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Plenary Speaker Spotlight: Dan Lukasik
We are thrilled to announce Dan Lukasik as a plenary speaker at this year’s Education Conference!
Dan serves as the NYS Judicial Wellness Coordinator and is a longtime lawyer, professor, filmmaker, and nationally recognized mental health advocate. Over the past 20 years, he has delivered more than 200 presentations on depression, anxiety, burnout, and well-being to legal associations, major corporations, and law schools including Harvard, Yale, and the University of Pennsylvania.
Dan is also the Executive Producer of the PBS documentary, My Brother Lost in Time: A Bipolar Life, which tells the powerful story of his and his brother Paul’s experiences with mental illness. The film offers a moving exploration of love, grief, and resilience—and we are proud to share that it will be screened during the conference.
Join us at EDCON 2025 as we explore this year’s theme:
Empowering Ourselves through Connection, Compassion, Coping, Community, and Care.
Stay tuned for registration details and more speaker announcements coming soon!
| | NAMI NYS 2025 Summer Newsletter | | |
End The Silence - Break The Stigma - Raise Awareness
We’re excited to share the Summer 2025 edition of Voice of Change, NAMI NYS’s official newsletter! This issue captures the energy of our growing movement and shines a spotlight on the people and programs driving real change across New York State.
✨ In this issue:
- Meet our inspiring new Board Nominees
- Celebrate this year’s powerful NAMIWalks, Mental Health Awareness Month, Ribbon Campaign's and more!
- Catch up on local affiliate wins and events
- Stay up-to-date on advocacy, resources, and more!
Not a member or didn't get your copy in the mail yet? Click the button below to view it on our website!
| | NAMI NYS Lunch and Learn Series | | |
Advocacy Lunch & Learn: Understanding Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI)
September 5, 2025 | 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM | Zoom
Join NAMI NYS for our next Lunch and Learn—a monthly webinar series designed to help advocates better understand key mental health policy issues.
This month’s session will focus on Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI), also known as Disability Benefits (DB). TDI provides partial wage replacement when someone is unable to work due to an off-the-job illness or injury—including for mental health and addiction-related needs.
We’ll explore:
- What TDI is
- Who qualifies
- Where improvements are still needed
Featured Speakers:
- Moriah Engelberg, Organizer for the Campaign to Improve Disability Benefits in New York
- Jesse Workman, Senior Staff Attorney, A Better Balance
Presented in partnership with A Better Balance, a national nonprofit legal advocacy organization promoting justice in the workplace—especially for women, caregivers, and individuals with health needs.
| | 4th Annual School Mental Health Summer Academy | | |
It’s time again for the 4th Annual School Mental Health Summer Academy which will be held virtually on Tuesday, August 19, 2025 (8:30 am-12 pm) and Wednesday, August 20, 2025 (9 am-12 pm). The theme, this year, is Promoting Mental Health Equity and Resilience in Schools. Each year, the School Mental Health Resource and Training Center (SMHRTCenter), a project within the Mental Health Association in New York State, hosts a School Mental Health Summer Academy, in August, as a kick off to the upcoming school year bringing current trends and innovative strategies in education to our audience - school administrators, educators, school social workers, school psychologists, school counselors, nurses, health and physical educators, other school personnel, families, community-based organizations, among others.
The SMHRTCenter is thrilled to bring together experts from across New York State and the nation to discuss many of the leading issues and unique stressors impacting the mental health and wellbeing of school communities as well as innovative solutions to address these challenges. Along with eight breakout sessions, the School Mental Health Summer Academy will also feature a FIRESIDE CHAT WITH THREE NEW YORK STATE COMMISSIONERS - Dr. Ann Sullivan from the Office of Mental Health; Dr. Betty A. Rosa from the State Education Department, and Dr. Chinazo Cunningham from the Office of Addiction Services and Supports. Participants will also hear from a YOUTH PANEL showcasing youth voices and perspectives on mental health, behavioral health and substance use.
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Led by 19 NAMI State Organizations and Affiliates, Pathways to Hope brings together national keynote speakers, locally curated workshops, and faith-rooted insights from across the country.
From anywhere you are, join a welcoming community where hearts connect, wisdom is shared, and a movement is rising to break the silence and end mental health stigma.
Faith-Based Support
Discover how faith leaders, congregations, and spiritual practices foster healing and build resilience.
Locally Curated Workshops
Join national and local conversations tailored to your community’s unique needs and strengths.
Inspirational Keynotes
Hear from inspiring leaders and changemakers at the intersection of faith and mental health.
Breaking Silence
Join a movement with changemakers in your community to end mental health stigma and build safe, supportive spaces.
Free and Virtual
| | Recruiting for Bipolar Disorder and Schizophrenia Research Study | | |
ABOUT: The purpose of this Psychiatric Biomarkers Network (PBN) study is to identify objective biomarkers for bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, to better understand the illnesses, and identify potential novel treatments.
PARTICIPATION: Participants in this study will complete questionnaires about life experiences and medical history, undergo brain imaging, and collection of blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) via lumbar puncture.
CONTACT: If you are between the ages of 18 and 50 and interested in learning more about this research study, or if you’d like to participate, please contact the PBN study site at Mount Sinai (New York, NY) by phone, 212-659-1674, or email pbn@mssm.edu.
Study participants will be compensated for their time and travel expenses. Compensation is up to $1,540 per year.
| | New York State Office of Mental Health | | NAMI NYS Signature Programs | | |
NAMI Mid-Hudson Peer-to-Peer Online August 7
Thursdays, August 7 through November 25 from 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm.
To register, contact Natalie Pere at (845) 206-9892 / contact@namimidhudson.org
NAMI Westchester NY Family-to-Family September 8
Mondays, September 8 through November 10 from 6:00 pm - 8:30 pm at the NAMI Westchester office, 220 White Plains Road Suite 125, Tarrytown, NY.
To register, contact Terry Brennan at (914) 592-5458 / terryb@namiwestchester.org.
NAMI Buffalo & Western NY Family-to-Family September 10
Wednesdays, September 10 through October 29 from 6:00 pm - 8:30 pm at the Eden United Methodist Church, 2820 E Church St, Eden, NY 14057.
To register, contact Sherry Byrnes at (716) 226-6264 / sbyrnes@namibuffalony.org
NAMI Queens/Nassau Peer-to-Peer Online September 10
Wednesdays, September 10 through November 12 from 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
To register, contact Janice Garfinkel at (516) 343-6761/ jgarfinkel@namiqn.org
NAMI Westchester NY Family-to-Family Online September 13
Saturdays, September 13 through November 1 from 9:00 am - 11:30 am online.
To register, contact Terry Brennan at (914) 592-5458 / terryb@namiwestchester.org
NAMI Orange County NY Peer-to-Peer Online September 13
Saturdays, September 13 through November 15 from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm.
To register, contact Dhanu Sannsey at (845) 294-2749/ dhanu@namiorangeny.org.
NAMI Orange County NY Family-to-Family September 14
Sundays, September 14 through November 9 from 1:30 pm - 4:00 pm at the Goshen Public Library.
To register, contact Dhanu Sannsey at (845) 294-2749/ dhanu@namiorangeny.org.
NAMI Buffalo & Western NY Homefront September 16
Tuesdays, September 16 through October 28 from 6:00 pm - 8:30 pm at the Veterans One-Stop Center, 1255 Niagara St Suite 230, Buffalo, NY 14213
To register, contact Sherry Byrnes at (716) 226-6264 / sbyrnes@namibuffalony.org
NAMI Mid-Hudson Family-to-Family September 29
Mondays, September 29 through November 17 from 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm In-Person in Poughkeepsie.
To register, contact Natalie Pere at (845) 206-9892 / contact@namimidhudson.org
| | 2025 NAMI NYS Training Schedule | | |
NAMI Family Support Group
December 13 & 14
Peer-to-Peer
September 20 & 21
NAMI Connection
October 4 & 5
NAMI Provider Education
October 18 & 19
NAMI Family-to-Family
December 6 & 7
NAMI Basics
August 16 & 17
Contact your local affiliate for applications and more information.
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Support Group for NAMI New York State Affiliate Helpline Responders
Meets the third Monday of each month at 12:30 pm on zoom.
Contact Christine Rickeman at christine@naminys.org for the zoom link.
Next meeting: August 18, 2025
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NAMI New York State Affiliate Meeting
Meets the third Wednesday of each month at 12:00 pm on zoom.
Contact Tammie Paradis at tammie@naminys.org or by phone at (518) 245-9167 for more information.
Next meeting: August 20, 2025
| | NAMI New York State Next Gen | |
NAMI NYS Next Gen: The Future of Mental Health Advocacy
At NAMI NYS, we believe true progress happens when all voices are heard, especially those of young people who are shaping the future of mental health advocacy. We are proud to be the first NAMI state organization to implement NAMI NYS Next Gen, a groundbreaking initiative led by young adults, for young adults.
This advisory group represents the diverse experiences of youth across New York State, bringing fresh perspectives to how we support mental health in our communities. More than just advisors, they are creators, innovators, and change-makers helping to reimagine NAMI NYS programs, content, and initiatives to meet young people where they are.
We know that mental health intersects with identity, lived experience, and systemic barriers. That’s why NAMI NYS Next Gen is committed to amplifying voices that have been historically overlooked, building connections, and ensuring that mental health advocacy is inclusive, accessible, and meaningful for all.
With their insight and leadership, we are not just listening, we are evolving.
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Join ARTLife717 for their gallery reception event Saturday, July 26, 2025, from 5pm to 7pm. Located at 717 Columbia Street Hudson, New York. The new gallery showing titled, "Eco-Inspired art", is an exhibit of work made from materials like leaves, twigs, rocks, flowers, or other art that expresses your relationship with nature.
The exhibit features works as a collaborative effort with MHACG's PROS Program and is an inspiration for mental health awareness and recovery.
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"From Trauma to Triumph" - An Introduction to Trauma, Mental Health and Overdose Prevention for the Black Community
Date: Tuesday, August 12, 2025
Time: 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Where: Calvary Baptist Church (32 W Post Road, White Plains, NY 10606)
This presentation is designed to create a conversation and raise awareness about trauma, mental health and overdose prevention strategies in communities of color, presented by experienced facilitators who have each provided mental health services in our community for over twenty years.
Participants will learn common risk factors and warning signs in Black and African American communities, as well as how to keep ourselves, our loved ones and those in our community safe. While this program is designed for Black and African American audiences, it is open to anyone (18+) who wishes to attend. Registration is required. Co-hosted by NAMI Westchester, NAACP White Plains/Greenburgh Branch, Urban League of Westchester County, Inc. and American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
For registration, please click the button below to email Pat White.
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Working with Family Members Who Have a Loved One With A Serious Mental Illness
Date: Friday, September 19, 2025
Time: 12:30 p.m. - 2:15 p.m.
Where: Live Online via Zoom
CEU Hours to be Awarded: 2.0
Serious mental illness affects not only the individual but the entire family, often leaving loved ones overwhelmed and unsupported. This presentation, hosted by The New York State Society for Clinical Social Work Westchester Chapter in collaboration with the Advanced Clinical Education Foundation, highlights the challenges family members face and provides therapists with insights and tools to better support their clients.
Dr. Julie LeClair Neches, a clinical psychologist and mother of a daughter diagnosed with Bipolar I, will share her personal and professional experience to explore the emotional journey of families—from initial shock to ongoing stress, stigma, and isolation. Research findings and lived experiences will be woven throughout. NAMI Westchester will also present key resources clinicians can offer to families navigating these challenges.
This event is for psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, licensed psychoanalysts, nurse practitioners and family and marriage/couple therapists, mental health counselors and licensed creative art therapists with different levels of experience.
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Authors Natasha Williams and Meg Kissinger: The Power of Telling our Stories (The Challenges and Privilege of Caring for Loved Ones Living with Mental Illness)
Date: Sunday, September 21, 2025
Time: 3:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Where: Hudson Valley Books for Humanity (67 Central Ave, Ossining, NY 10562)
Have we broken the silence? Through intimate family portraits of love and resilience, each author shows the power of telling our stories and shares the burden and privilege of families living with mental illness. Dr. Leslie Pereira will facilitate a reading and conversation with Author Meg Kissinger, a Pulitzer Prize finalist and author of best-selling memoir, “While You Were Out: An Intimate Family Portrait of Mental Illness in an Era of Silence,” and Natasha Williams, author of her memoir "The Parts of Him I Kept: The Gifts of My Father’s Madness," praised by James Lasdun as “an extraordinary memoir of growing up with a schizophrenic father…funny, wise, beautifully observed and astonishingly tender.”
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Community Art Session
Date: Saturday, September 27, 2025
Time: 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Where: ThePod by CocoaCompassion (11 Cedar St, Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522)
Join us for a fun and relaxed art session led by art therapist Diane Quinn. No experience or skills are needed. This session is open to everyone, providing a welcoming space to explore your artistic side.
While the session is free, donations are greatly appreciated to help us continue offering these wellness programs.
The Pod by CocoaCompassion makes socially responsible chocolate: All chocolate is made by cacao farmers/producers who empower social, economic and environmental growth within their cacao growing countries.
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