"I'm so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers."

— L.M. Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables

Dear Friends,



Welcome to October! As the leaves turn and the air gets crisp here in the Hudson Valley, we're reminded that change can bring new beginnings. It's also a chance to slow down and care for ourselves and each other.

October is also an important month for mental health. It opens with Mental Illness Awareness Week and includes World Mental Health Day on October 10. This year's theme, Turning Science Into Hope, reminds us how much hope there is for individuals and families affected by mental illness.

Inside, you'll find upcoming classes, support groups, and events happening this month. We hope you'll join us!

Thank you for being part of our community. Together, we're making sure no one in Dutchess and Ulster counties faces mental illness alone.

Film Screening & Panel Discussion

NO ONE CARES ABOUT CRAZY PEOPLE

Sunday, October 11 | 1:00 PM
The Moviehouse, 48 Main Street. Millerton, NY

Join NAMI Mid-Hudson and filmmaker Gail Freedman for an impactful afternoon of film & conversation exploring what it means to live with and support loved ones experiencing serious mental illness.

Following the screening, stay for a panel discussion and Q&A with director Gail Freedman and Jo Ann Brown, Executive Director of NAMI Mid-Hudson, as we deepen the conversation around lived experience, family impact, systems change, and hope.

2026 ANNUAL MEETING & VOLUNTEER RECOGNITION EVENT!

Hosted by NAMI Mid-Hudson

Wednesday, October 21 | 6:30–8:00 PM

CHECK OUT THE CALENDAR OF EVENTS!

Click the button below to learn about upcoming community events...

Mental Health First Aid Certification Class

by National Council for Mental Wellbeing with Jo Ann Brown, Instructor

Friday, November 6, 2026 | 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM ET on Zoom

Someone in your life, whether a friend, coworker, neighbor, student, or family member, may be quietly struggling with a mental health or substance use challenge. Would you know what to say or do?

Mental Health First Aid is a nationally recognized certification course. It teaches you to recognize the signs of mental health and substance use challenges, respond with confidence and compassion, and connect people to the right professional support. Just as CPR prepares you for a physical emergency, Mental Health First Aid prepares you to support someone through a mental health crisis or emerging challenge until help arrives.

The course is open to parents, educators, healthcare professionals, first responders, employers, and community members alike. You'll leave with practical skills that can make a lasting difference.

Our next class is Friday, November 6, and seats fill quickly. Don't wait: reserve your spot today!

For more details or to register, please contact Jo Ann Brown:

Call 845-832-6368 or Email: mhfaclass@optimum.net

You’re Invited: NAMI Family & Friends 2-Hour Online Seminar

Wednesday, December 9th 2026 | 6:30–8:30 PM 💚

The holiday season can bring extra stress for families supporting a loved one with a mental health condition. The NAMI Family & Friends Seminar offers a welcoming space to learn, connect, and gain helpful tools heading into the new year.

In this free 2-hour seminar, you'll gain a deeper understanding of mental health conditions and explore ways to communicate more effectively, support recovery, and care for your own well-being along the way.

Whether you're new to NAMI or looking to strengthen how you support someone you love, this seminar offers practical guidance and hope for the journey ahead.

Date: Wednesday, December 9, 2026

Time: 6:30–8:30 PM (Online via Zoom)

Taught by NAMI-trained family members who've been there, this seminar offers understanding, connection, and hope.

Click the button below to register today!

We'd love to have you with us. You are not alone. 💙

NAMI New York State Annual Education Conference 2026

Join Us in Albany — EdCon 2026!


Mental Health for All: Uplifting Each Other Through Support and Advocacy brings together individuals, families, professionals, and advocates from across New York State. This year's conference focuses on practical approaches to peer and family support, strategies for effective advocacy, and building a stronger mental health system statewide.

Expect engaging plenaries, interactive breakout sessions, and plenty of chances to connect with people who care about this work as much as you do.

November 13 – 15, 2026

Marriott Hotel, Albany, NY

Registration is now open, click below to learn more...

HOPE STARTS WITH US:

Get Ready to Vote for Mental Health

With Election Day on November 3, this month's episode looks at how voting shapes mental health care. NAMI CEO Daniel H. Gillison, Jr. talks with NAMI Director of Advocacy Brandon Graham about why your vote matters and how mental health connects to issues like education, health care, and criminal justice.



You'll also hear simple ways to get involved and make your voice heard. Check your voter registration at vote4mentalhealth.org/register.

NAMI BACK-TO-SCHOOL Resources
Supporting Students All Year Long!

The excitement of a new school year has settled into everyday routines. For many students, that can bring growing pressure: schoolwork, friendships, activities, and big changes. Now is a good time to check in.

NAMI's free resources offer practical tips and tools to support mental wellness, recognize when a young person may be struggling, and help students thrive all year long.

Whether you're a parent, caregiver, student, or educator, we encourage you to explore these resources and keep mental health part of the conversation this school year.

NAMI Family Caregiver HelpLine

Over 8.4 million Americans care for loved ones with serious emotional or mental health conditions. These caregivers often provide emotional, logistical, and financial support for their loved ones, but may need access to emotional support and resources themselves.

You don’t have to navigate your loved one’s mental health needs alone. Contact the NAMI Family Caregiver HelpLine for free, confidential support from people who understand. 

Text “Family” to 62640 or Call 1-800-950-NAMI (6264), and press 4

Family Support Groups

RESOURCES • SUPPORT • HOPE

For family members and friends who have a loved one living with a mental health condition. An opportunity to connect with, explore ideas and find solutions with others who are experiencing similar situations.

Please call 845-206-9892 or contact@namimidhudson.org to register

Connection Recovery Support Group

DISCOVER YOUR INNER STRENGTH

For any adult who has experienced symptoms of a mental health condition.

By sharing your experiences in a safe and confidential setting, you can gain hope and feel a sense of connection. The group encourages empathy, productive discussion and a sense of community.

Please call 845-206-9892 or contact@namimidhudson.org to register

THERE IS NO HEALTH WITHOUT MENTAL HEALTH

SUPPORT • EDUCATE • ADVOCATE

NAMI Mid-Hudson

P.O. Box 787

Poughkeepsie, NY 12602

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