November 2019
Native American Heritage Month
"I believe much trouble would be saved if we
opened our hearts more."
Hin-mah-too-yah-lat-kekt, known as Chief Joseph, leader of the Wal-lam-wat-kain, Nez Perce

November marks Native American Heritage month, during which we celebrate the diverse and rich culture, history, and traditions of our nation’s first people. Their pictures, words, names, and stories are integral in American cultural history. During this time, we have the chance to educate ourselves and others about the nations and to raise awareness about the struggles native people have faced in the past and continue to face in the present.
There have not been many studies about Native American attitudes regarding mental health and mental illness. There is a general Native American worldview that encompasses the notions of connectedness, reciprocity, balance, and completeness that frames their views of health and well-being.

In 2010, the American Psychiatric Association found Native Americans experience serious psychological distress 1.5 times more than the general population. Research has found that Native American men and women who meet the criteria for depression, anxiety, or substance abuse disorders are significantly more likely to seek help from a spiritual healer than from specialty or other medical sources. 
Mental Health and Veterans
We also mark Veteran's Day and Military Families Month in November. Find out about mental health and veterans , including NAMI's free Homefront Program, and share our resources with a military family you know.
NAMI California Conference 2020
June 2-3, 2020 in Sacramento
NAMI California is looking for workshop applications for consideration for our Conference. We are looking for engaging presenters, varied perspectives, and innovative programs.

Applications are due January 24, 2020

Contact us with your questions at 916-567-0163
email at conference@namica.org
Upcoming Events
The event is FREE
and lunch is provided
Regional Advocacy Meeting
Yolo County

Regional Advocacy Meetings are designed to engage peers, family members, program leaders and the general public in local planning and problem-solving with county board members, city officials and
affiliates.

This meeting is open to all community members impacted by mental health, Individuals will be given the space to collaborate with other mental health advocates, discuss current mental health policies, brainstorm new solutions for Yolo County and engage a dialogue with local representatives.

Friday, November 8, 9 am to 1 pm
Regional Mental Health Advocacy Weekend
Brainstorm New Solutions for
Yolo County!

Free cultural competence training and other events in Davis and Sacramento.

Let Your Voice Be Heard!

Friday, November 8 &
Saturday, November 9

Davis & Sacramento, CA

Fall Advocacy & Collaboration Conference
California Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Children Now, and NAMI California are hosting this conference.

Participants will learn about current legislative issues in California, develop relationships with partnering organizations, and help build the 2020-2021 legislative cycle agenda.

The event is free and
continental breakfast and lunch will be provided.
Saturday, November 16,
9 am to 3 pm
The California Yacht Club
Marina Del Rey, CA
California Advocacy Network
NAMI CAN calls are designed to share legislative and other updates with affiliates and community members. These calls are open to anyone interested in mental health advocacy.

Monday, November 25, 4 to 5 pm
Classes, Training, Events
Asian & Pacific Islander Mental Health
Empowerment Conference
The 2019 APIMHEC Conference is hosted by Fresno County's Department of Behavioral Health.
This free annual conference will convene mental health service providers, consumers, family members, students, researchers, and advocates from within Fresno County and across California to increase awareness of mental health concerns and to promote improvement of mental health services for Asian & Pacific Islander (API) communities. This conference is open to members of the API community as well as individuals who serve API communities.

November 21-22, 2019
Clovis, CA
For more information, download the flier or email ragini@namica.org .
Cultural & Linguistic Responsiveness Toolkit Webinars
This interactive webinar introduces our updated toolkit, used to assist local affiliates and partner organizations in beginning 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.

Learn about previous successes and challenges, and get insights into how you can increase diversity engagement efforts. There are four opportunities to complete the webinar training , in December, January, March, and April.
Check our advocacy calendar for more information and events
What We're Doing
Successful Symposium
We convened with community members for another in our series of multicultural symposiums at San Joaquin Delta College in Stockton on October 12 for   “Team NAMI: Raising Voices.”
End-of-Season Legislative Report

It’s the end of the 2019 legislative season and we have our annual wrap-up on bills we supported and other news relevant to mental health.   Find out more and read the report .
New MHSA Programs Report

We published o ur 2019 NAMI CA MHSA County Programs Report on community-based mental health services across counties in California.
Helping Students, One Class at a Time
We've had great reports from our affiliates about inspiring  Ending the Silence school presentations we're making across the state.
What You Can Do
Support a 3-Digit Crisis Line
Join us in urging our Senators to  approve an easy-to-remember 3-digit number   as the nationwide hotline for suicide prevention and mental health crisis.
Share Your Story
Telling personal stories of recovery can be one of the most effective ways to diminish stigma and help individuals and families who are facing challenges related to mental illness.  Share your story for consideration.

Last month, we asked you, What would you tell your younger self?  Here are some inspiring answers from the community. This month's question: How would you like to see the mental health system change in 5 years? 10 years?
Community Resources
New on our website:

Support and Join
Did you know you can support NAMI California by shopping on Amazon? Find out about the many ways you can support our vital work , including choosing us as your Giving Tuesday organization of choice.

If you're not already a NAMI member, please consider  joining us today .