NAMI California is a passionate team made of families, members, affiliates, and partners throughout the state who are leading the change on mental illness.
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2020 Annual Conference
October 12-13, 2020
https://youtu.be/t9NNrt1bjqA
Thank you to our attendees, speakers and presenters, exhibitors, sponsors! We could not have done this without you. While we could not meet in person this year, we were excited to be able connect with you virtually.
Video replay of the sessions coming soon! We'll notify conference registrants and those on our monthly email list and also post to our social media accounts.
Each year, the NAMI California hosts a state conference to examine important trends, best practices, new treatments, activities in mental health, and ways we can work together to improve care and services for individuals, families and communities. To nurture our extraordinary community until we can gather in-person again, the 2020 NAMI California Conference was a virtual event. It was a unique opportunity to reflect and connect with peers statewide, engage in meaningful discussions, and exchange ideas and resources -- all online. We are looking forward to meeting in person again soon!
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While We’re At It: Let’s Fix the Systemic Racism in the Mental Health System
The mother of a son with serious mental illness discusses how systemic racism impacts those in the criminal justice system.
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Team NAMI CA Q&A: Jei Africa
NAMI California board member Dr. Jei Africa shares insights in our Team NAMI California Q&A about mental health care, inspiration, challenges, and hope.
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Reflections on Pride Month and Fighting for a Better World
Post by NAMI California COO Steven Kite on celebrating pride and the fight to help individuals living with mental illness and their families.
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Policy News: State Budget Agreement for up to $1 billion for Mental Health Safety Net
Good news: a budget agreement between lawmakers and California Governor Gavin Newsom allows $750 million in state general funds for critical safety net services delivered on behalf of the state, including mental health and substance use disorder services.
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Statement on Systematic Racism and the Quest for Justice
NAMI CEO Jessica Cruz released this statement on recent racist incidents and what we must do as a community: NAMI California joins NAMI in standing in solidarity with all the families, friends, and community members who have lost loved ones senselessly due to racism. We understand that we must take steps to right wrongs and…
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Staying Informed About COVID-19
To help you through the COVID-19 pandemic, we are keeping this page updated with trusted information from public health officials and others. Trusted Sources For COVID-19 News And Updates State of California Updates: also follow the Governor on social media for live updates (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram) California Department of Health Updates (also En Español) Centers for Disease Control (CDC)…
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Video Message on Community Efforts to Connect During the COVID-19 Pandemic
NAMI California’s Chief Operating Officer, Steven Kite, speaks about our efforts to stay connected and help one another during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Mental Health Impacts and Support During the COVID-19 Crisis
We are all impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and we are all in this together. To address the impacts, we have advice for those living with mental health conditions, de-stressing tips, and more trusted information to support us all through this difficult time.
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Team NAMI CA Q&A: Jessica Cruz
Jessica Cruz is the CEO of NAMI California. Here, she shares her insights in our Team NAMI California Q&A about mental health care, and what inspires her, challenges her, and gives her hope.
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Ways to Stay Connected During the COVID-19 Crisis
Social distancing and being confined to home is challenging for many, especially those with mental health conditions. Many community members are expressing unease or anxiety about spending more time alone at home and away from others. It’s important that we do our best to take care of ourselves and check in on loved ones who…
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Video Message On Stress During The COVID-19 Pandemic
In this video message to our members and community, NAMI California’s CEO, Jessica Cruz, discusses stress we are experiencing during the COVID-19 crisis and steps we can take to cope.
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Team NAMI Community Engagement: Comfort At Home Challenge
We are all doing the best we can during this difficult time, and we have been inspired by seeing community members share activities and practices that are helping them cope while they’re staying home to protect the public health. Let’s inspire one another with images of what we’re doing to stay comforted at home! Join…
Learn MoreAbout Mental Health
Mental illnesses are medical conditions that disrupt a person’s thinking, feeling, mood, ability to relate to others, and capacity to cope with even ordinary demands of life.
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Sharing Our Stories Helps Others
We set out looking for solutions that would mend our broken hearts and the broken system.
Teresa Pasquini and Lauren Rettagliata
Community StoriesHow Does NAMI CA Help?
We help more than 20,000 Californians a year through our programs.
About Nami CA
We're here to help
Mental health conditions can disrupt your life, no matter your age, race, religion or income. We understand the complexities in seeking treatment and are here to guide you in getting help for yourself or a loved one.
Find Your Local NAMI Get HelpWe put our hearts into advocating for Californians to live lives of quality and respect.
Our WorkOur Priorities
- Access to treatment
- Housing
- Crisis services
- Criminal justice and forensic issues
- Family involvement in treatment
- Services and support for all ages