Illinois Children's Mental Health Leader to Keynote "Stronger Together" Conference
Learn from expert presenters across Illinois, such as ...
• Keynote speaker Chief Officer of the Governor's Children's Behavioral Health Transformation Initiative Dr. Dana Weiner: "Blueprint for Transformation: A Vision for Improved Behavioral Healthcare for Illinois Children" (10:50 a.m. Friday).
• NAMI IL Board Member and Heritage Behavioral Health Center Director Mary Garrison: Bridging mental health gaps for rural communities with
• Tekkli DeyKoontz of NAMI IL/NAMI Champaign: Youth and young adult voices.
• Sertoma Centre staff: Suicide prevention training.
For more information, including how to obtain CEUs and apply for a scholarship, email
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2023 Conference Legislative Roundtable Set for Oct. 20
We're excited to welcome as part of our 2023 Conference Legislative Roundtable, "Driving Change in Illinois Mental Health Policy," which will begin at 2:20 p.m. Friday, Oct. 20, the following representatives and senators serving Illinois:
Rep. Jackie Haas, member of the House Mental Health and Addiction Committee
Rep. Lindsey LaPointe, chair of the House Mental Health and Addiction Committee
Rep. Michelle Mussman, vice chair of the House Mental Health and Addiction Committee
Sen. Mike Simmons, vice chair of the Senate Behavioral and Mental Health Committee
Sen. Karina Villa, vice chair of the Senate Behavioral and Mental Health Committee.
The roundtable will include an overview of mental health landscape and NAMI Illinois policy priorities, with our respected leaders sharing their insights about major legislative and budget issues that will impact the Illinois mental health community in the 2023-24 legislative sessions. The program will be moderated by Hugh Brady, chair of NAMI IL Legislative Committee, and Andy Wade, NAMI IL executive director.
We appreciate our legislators' time, efforts, expertise and guidance as we work together to make Illinois the nation's most caring, comprehensive mental health community.
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NAMI IL Shout-Out:
2023 Stronger Together Sponsors
We extend our most sincere appreciation to our NAMI Illinois 2023 "Stronger Together: Transforming Mental Health in Illinois" Statewide Conference sponsors, exhibitors and advertisers for their continued support.
The generosity of our sponsors allows
NAMI Illinois to keep this annual event accessible to all by providing discounted conference rates and scholarships for conference fees and travel .
Thank you!
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2023-24 NAMI Illinois Policy Agenda Up for Vote
Each year, the members of Illinois’ 19 NAMI affiliates vote to approve a statewide policy agenda that guides NAMI's statewide advocacy efforts to ensure access, parity, quality, and equity in our state’s mental health communities. Advocacy is coordinated by NAMI Illinois through its statewide Legislative Committee.
Proposed 2023-24 priorities include:
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Expanding Support for Youth & Young Adults in our communities, educational institutions, and clinical settings
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Developing and Creating a Comprehensive Crisis Continuum including integrated 988 call centers, CESSA mobile response, and crisis receiving facilities
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Growing and Diversifying our Mental Health Workforce by investing in our peer & community talent base
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Strengthening Suicide Prevention by integrating systems and focusing on supporting key populations
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Ensuring Universal Access to Mental Health Care for every Illinois resident, supported by adequate, sustainable funding
Review the full proposed policy agenda for the upcoming year here.
Following your review of the full proposed agenda, vote here.
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No Shame On U Parent Resource Guide Available
No Shame On U, a Chicago-based nonprofit focusing on mental health education and awareness, dedicates itself to eliminating the stigma associated with mental health conditions so that people who need help will seek it, and family members and friends will know how to provide proper support and save lives.
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Statewide NAMI IL Board Elections Underway
Members in good standing with any Illinois NAMI affiliate are are eligible, and encouraged, to vote for candidates for the NAMI Illinois 2024 Board of Directors. The deadline to vote is 5 p.m. Oct. 15.
The slate of current Board members up for re-election can be found here. Cast your vote here.
Note: If your membership has lapsed, please log into your account on the national website prior to voting to renew your membership. All membership inquiries should be directed to NAMI national.
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New Statewide Collab & Funding for ETS, Youth/Young Adult Services
We're excited to share that NAMI Illinois has secured an initial $500,000 grant to develop a new statewide collaborative to increase NAMI capacity to support the mental health of Illinois young people! Half of initial funds will go directly to NAMI affiliates who will help plan and lead the initiative.
Affiliate leaders have received information via our affiliate blast and email on how to apply. These new grants will help our outstanding affiliates establish or expand their own capacity to deliver NAMI Ending the Silence and other Youth/Young Adult programs.
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NAMI to Host Film Screening, Panel Discussion
Join NAMI for an evening of film, awareness and empowerment centered on mental health beginning at 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28 at the DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center, 740 E. 56th Place, Chicago. The powerful and groundbreaking film, PERDIDO, will be shown, and a panel discussion will be held, featuring Chris V Rey (International President of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc), Muhammad Bilal (Founder/CEO of Bilal World Entertainment), Tasnim Sulaiman (Founder/CEO Black Men Heal), Dr. Sheldon Jacobs (Board Member, NAMI), Tansy McNulty (Founder/CEO, 1M4), and Dr. Obari Cartman (Moderator). Limited seats are available, so don't miss out on this transformative event.
Visit www.Perdido.eventbrite.com to secure your spot and join us on this inspiring journey towards a more inclusive and empathetic society.
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Introducing the NAMI Teen & Young Adult HelpLine
NAMI's new Teen & Young Adult (T&YA) HelpLine is now live! This free, nationwide peer-support service provides a safe space for young people to connect with peers who understand their challenges and can offer the resources to help. The NAMI T&YA HelpLine Specialists are young adults who are experienced, well-trained and available by phone, text or chat 10 a.m.-10 p.m. (ET), M-F to provide resources and guidance so no one needs to go through their mental health journey alone.
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Research Opportunity Announcements
To increase awareness of ongoing mental health research, NAMI National created "Research Opportunity Announcements" to ensure our grassroots leaders are aware of both clinical trials and social sciences research relevant to the mental health community. Promoted research may be conducted by government, academic or private industry partners, or any other entity that has secured IRB approval/exemption for their study. Learn about the new and current opportunities here.
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