February 2020
African American History Month
While all of our communities face mental health challenges, African-American communities often deal with more stigma and discrimination, and can receive compromised care. As one of our community members shared with us, "My family and community have limited knowledge. There's still stigma."

NAMI California works every day to ensure that all Californians have access to the mental health services they need, with an emphasis on bridging the gap for our underserved communities. Find out more, read blog posts and see videos from African-American NAMI community members and leaders sharing their stories, and get resources in our new Mental Health Challenges in African American Communities post.
Events
NAMI California's Annual Conference

Thank you for your workshop applications; we're excited to be sharing news soon about our lineup, as well as speakers to be joining Drs. Tom Insel and Sandra R. Hernández.

We're also hosting our annual Multicultural Symposium on June 1 (registration information to be posted soon) and planning a mental health rally and legislative visits on June 2 to ensure policymakers are making more informed decisions to improve the public mental health system.

Questions? Call 916-567-0163 or email [email protected]
Youth Symposium
Save the date for our second annual Youth Symposium, “Team NAMI: Building Leadership" set for April 22, 2020 at the Sheraton Hotel in Sacramento, California. For the symposium, our program will empower and provide a space for young people and educators to become informed about the importance of ending stigma and opening up the conversation about mental illness and mental health.
Southern California Multicultural Regional Symposium
We're hosting our Southern California Multicultural Regional Symposium. Team NAMI: Raising Voices Friday, April 10, 9 am to 4 pm, at Los Angeles City College.

As part of our work to bridge the gaps created by mental health stigma, we will be bringing together community leaders, providers, and peers from diverse communities to foster an open dialogue about the successes and challenges various communities have experienced. Registration is open ! Questions? Email [email protected]
Trainings, Webinars, Calls
Cultural & Linguistic Toolkit Webinars
Our interactive webinar introduces our updated toolkit, used to address the mental health disparities that exist among communities from diverse racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds (i.e. Latinx, LGBTQ, veteran, etc.) and better serve all individuals. Questions? Email [email protected]

Cultural & Linguistic Online and In-Person Trainings
NAMI California, in partnership with UC Davis Health Center for Reducing Health Disparities, provides this multi-part online training to equip participants with tools and resources needed to engage diverse communities.

Advocacy and Outreach
Community Input: Annual Stakeholder Survey
Help us improve mental health care in California by taking our annual survey ! We're seeking to understand the experiences of families, individuals, and diverse communities navigating the disparities in the public mental health system. This is your chance to share your experiences on accessing mental health care and make suggestions for what needs to improve, which we will use for the NAMI California Annual State of the Community Reports (see the 2019 reports). The surveys are available in English, Spanish, Chinese (simplified), and Arabic.

NAMI's CAN Call
Our California Advocacy Network (CAN) monthly calls include legislative and other updates on our mental health advocacy efforts . Register for our next call on Friday, February 28, 4 pm.
News and Resources
State News
“We are happy to see a solid priority on mental health that focuses on a multi-pronged approach to solving a complex issue,” says our CEO, Jessica Cruz of Governor Gavin Newsom's proposed budget for California , which show that he and his Administration aim to make sweeping improvements to behavioral health across the state. Read more .

Local Support
There is always help and hope: Find free and confidential support groups and classes for families and peers impacted by mental health conditions. Find your local NAMI California affiliate .
Support for NAMI California
Did you know you can improve mental health services for our families and communities in California by checking a box on your state tax return

By simply going to the Contributions page on your California Income Tax Return and checking the box entitled “National Alliance on Mental Illness California Voluntary Tax Contribution Fund,” you can help fund our partnership with local law enforcement to safely interact with individuals experiencing a mental health crisis through Crisis Intervention Training (CIT). Find out more .
A Gift of Love = Support for Mental Health
If you're shopping for your loved ones on Valentine's Day and make purchases using Amazon Smile, a portion of your sales go to NAMI California. It’s just like shopping on Amazon, but you use  this customized link  and choose NAMI California as the charity of your choice.