May 2025

As we reach the end of Mental Health Awareness Month, I’m reflecting on something deeply personal: May marks 15 years since I joined NAMI California and it’s changed the course of my life.

When I first walked through the doors of NAMI California, I had no idea how profoundly impacted I would be. As someone who grew up with a loved one living with mental illness, I wish I had known about NAMI years before. In my very first interview, I cried. I asked, “Why didn’t I know this existed sooner?” From that moment, I knew I had found not just a job, but my calling, my mission and my purpose.

I knew what it meant to experience the impact of mental illness within a family. But I didn’t yet recognize the power of community, education, and advocacy to create real, lasting change.

What began as a small nonprofit has now grown into a statewide movement. Over the years, we’ve scaled NAMI programs on school campuses, which can now be found in more than 160 high schools, helping students access peer-led mental health support. Through Mental Health 101, we’ve educated thousands of individuals, parents, teachers, faith leaders, and community members across diverse communities in California. We’ve built a network of over 50 affiliates that provide direct support groups, classes, and crisis response in more than 5 languages. We’ve tripled our staff, allowing us to reach more families than ever before.

Tens of thousands of families now have someone to call, a support group to attend, and the knowledge that they are not alone.

We’ve made mental health a priority at the State Capitol. We’ve helped pass legislation to expand crisis response services and secure millions in mental health investments. We’ve trained passionate and dedicated advocates, including individuals with lived experience, to speak at school boards, testify at hearings, and lead change in their own communities.

And yet, there’s still so much work to do.

Suicide is still the second leading cause of death among young people in California. Black and Latino communities continue to face disparities in access to culturally responsive care. Far too many families are navigating this journey alone, unaware that help exists.

This month is a reminder that mental health is health. This work is deeply personal. It’s about dignity. It’s about equity. It’s about building a future where no one has to struggle in silence and where every person, regardless of background or circumstance, has access to care and support.

To everyone who has been part of this journey – our team, our affiliates, our partners, our advocates, and our community – thank you.

As we honor Mental Health Awareness Month, I invite you to help us continue this work. If NAMI California has touched your life or if you want to make a difference in someone else’s life, you can support us here: namica.org/donate 💚

From the bottom of my heart, thank you.

-Jessica Wilson (Cruz)