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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.

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)…

It’s a stressful time for us all, and communicating scary news to kids is not easy. We have gathered good sources to help you communicate with children, support them, and manage stress and anxiety during these difficult and uncertain times.

Suggestions for how to support LGBTQI+ community members, including friends, family members, colleagues, and neighbors who must confront stigma and prejudice based on their sexual orientation or gender identity while also dealing with the societal bias against mental health conditions.

Today we live in fear that something bad could happen. That it is lurking behind every corner and countertop. Something that could invade us, kill us, or alter our lives forever. Some of us have felt this way for decades. Way before a pandemic made us all afraid.

During tax season, you have the ability to make a positive impact within your community. By simply going to the Contributions page on your California Income Tax Return and checking the box entitled “National Alliance on Mental Illness California Voluntary Tax Contribution Fund,” you can help fund our partnership with local law enforcement to safely interact with individuals…

Research, resources and reading on the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on students and families.

CEO Jessica Cruz joined Steve Poizner on the Fight Back podcast to discuss the impacts of severe mental illness such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, mood disorders, anxiety and stress.

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.

Missed our Town Hall with the California Department of Health Care Services on how the state is responding to COVID-19? Watch a recording of the webinar.

We need to do more to address issues of racial discrimination and injustice. Too often, African Americans are criminalized for living with mental illnesses, which we know are medical conditions. I’m proud that our Contra Costa NAMI California affiliate is involved in several campaigns. Below, I use one as an example to share how we…

We are pleased to announce a community listening session, hosted by NAMI California and the Department of Health Care Services, focused on the state’s response to COVID-19 and efforts to support our communities. Family members and peers will be invited to discuss and share feedback as part of our continuing work to link local and…

Like everything else, California’s economy has been impacted by the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Governor Gavin Newsom’s May Revision to the state budget for the next fiscal year (July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2121) projects a shortfall of more than $50 billion. To fill the gap, the Governor proposes multiple strategies that range…

NAMI California’s Chief Operating Officer, Steven Kite, speaks about our efforts to stay connected and help one another during the COVID-19 pandemic.

This week, our CEO, Jessica Cruz, celebrates 10 years with NAMI California. “In ten years, I have met amazing people that I now call friends; I have struggled but have grown out of it; and I have accepted that we can’t help everyone, but everyone can help someone.  I am looking forward to many more…

CEO Jessica Cruz spoke with Steve Poizner for his Fight Back podcast on the mental health challenges presented by the pandemic, the resources available, and some helpful tips about what people and families can do improve their mental wellness.

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…

We have tips on how to be effective while maintaining your mental health when you’re working at home during the pandemic.

NAMI California joins other organizations every May in observing Mental Health Month with collective efforts to educate the public, help end stigma, and advocate for stronger policies to improve the lives of people living with mental health conditions, their families, and our communities.

We are proud to be finding ways to serve our community during this difficult time. We hope you will join us in celebrating #GivingTuesdayNow, a new global day of giving and unity taking place on May 5 (in addition to the regularly scheduled #GivingTuesday on Dec. 1, 2020) as an emergency response to the unprecedented need…

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.

When you’re caring for a loved one with a mental health condition, here are steps you can take to take care of yourself and the person you’re caring for.

In this video message to our members and community, NAMI California’s CEO, Jessica Cruz, discusses the support needed for caregivers who have loved ones with serious mental illness during the COVID-19 crisis.

Do you have a loved one in a California State Hospital? The Department of State Hospital is sharing a message (PDF) regarding COVID-19 for those who have families or friends of California State Hospital patients. If you have questions, please contact your state hospital directly.

Our CEO, Jessica Cruz, spoke about COVID-19 and what we’re doing to support our members during an interview with Kevin Riggs for the Behavioral Health Action coalition’s new “Rising to Meet the Moment” video series.

In a video message, NAMI California’s CEO, Jessica Cruz, discusses efforts to support our communities during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Physical 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…

Our CEO, Jessica Cruz, has been selected as a member of the California Health and Human Services Agency Behavioral Health Task Force.

While all of our communities face mental health challenges, African American communities often deal with more stigma and discrimination, and can receive compromised care.

NAMI is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization and has always relied heavily on supporters in communities throughout the country, including here in California. In addition to becoming a member, you can help raise funds for and awareness of mental health by hosting a fundraising event in your community with your family, friends, and/or coworkers. Here…