COVID-19

Our resource guide has information on advice to support students, parents and families during the pandemic.

Video interview with CEO Jessica Cruz, her Behavioral Health Action co-chair, Carmela Coyle, and California’s Surgeon General, Dr. Nadine Burke Harris.

Assembly Bill 3242 aims to make mental health treatment more accessible. Let’s send a clear message to California lawmakers that we support improved access to life-saving mental health care.

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) Updates (En Español)

World Health Organization (WHO) Updates

The Latest on Vaccinations

Appointment notifications: http://myturn.ca.gov

Visit http://VaccinateALL58.com for COVID-19 vaccination information, facts and updates on eligibility.

How to Prevent the Spread of COVID-19

Get vaccinated when you can.

Practice physical distancing – stay at least six feet away from people.

Wear a cloth face mask whenever you leave home.

Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. If surfaces are dirty, clean them using detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.

Avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth.

If you smoke or vape, consider quitting. Smoking and vaping causes harm to the lungs.

Preventing the Spread of Coronavirus Disease Homes and Residential Communities (CDC)

12-second video showing the value of social distancing

COVID-19 – Yes, Large Gathering Cancellations Are Good for Everyone (UC Davis Health)

How canceled events and self-quarantines save lives, in one chart (Vox)

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

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.

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

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 our #TeamNAMIComfortAtHome challenge by sharing photos that show what you and your family are doing to take care of your well-being, de-stress, or just unplug from the news for a while. It could be creating chalk art on sidewalks with your kid’s art, practicing yoga in your living room, jumping rope in the driveway, playing catch with your dog, weeding your garden, or FaceTiming a friend for a virtual coffee date. You get the idea! Tag us in photos of the activities or practices that are helping you feel better and we will share favorites. Use #TeamNAMIComfortAtHome on your social media posts and tag us (and friends to spread the word!), or send them to us using the form on this page.

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

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 caused by COVID-19. Let’s come together to create a wave of generosity.

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.

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 might face mental health challenges during this time.