Crisis Support

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

1-800-273-8255

Crisis Text Line

Text NAMI to 741-741 to connect with a trained crisis counselor to receive free, 24/7 crisis support via text message.

NAMI HelpLine

Call 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) M–F, 7 a.m.–3 p.m. PT for free mental health info, referrals and support.

Find a Local NAMI

Support NAMI California’s Mental Health Crisis Prevention Voluntary Tax Contribution Fund – Line 445 on Form 540

The National Alliance on Mental Illness California Chapter (NAMI California) is once again proudly sponsoring the Mental Health Crisis Prevention Voluntary Tax Contribution Fund this tax season. The fund supports an innovative program that provides training, tools, and resources to law enforcement agencies to safely interact with and support individuals experiencing a mental health crisis. Californians can support mental health and public safety by donating to the “Mental Health Crisis Prevention Voluntary Tax Contribution Fund” — Line 445 on the 2023 California Form 540.

According to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), 25% of fatalities and 40% of injuries in officer involved shootings involve a person with a mental illness.

There are no winners in these situations. Individuals and families in crisis suffer while officers are faced with extraordinarily difficult circumstances, often leading to their own mental health challenges. While there is no one-size-fits-all solution, we can do more to protect and support the officers who put their lives on the line to keep California safe.

“Increased training is invaluable to safely engage people living with a mental health illness ensuring the best outcomes for all involved in an officer interaction,” said Jessica Cruz, CEO of NAMI California. “Programs like these promote the safety of both law enforcement officers and the people experiencing a mental health crisis by providing resources and information.”

NAMI California experts and public safety leaders agree that increased support and education for law enforcement officials is critical to safely engage people living with a mental illness. With these skills, officers can connect people experiencing a mental health crisis to treatment, counseling and other supports aiding in recovery.

The Mental Health Crisis Prevention Voluntary Tax Contribution Fund will afford California communities:

  • Increased law enforcement training — Providing officers the tools, resources, and support to safely engage individuals experiencing a mental health crisis.
  • Solution-oriented mental health advocacy — Advocating for those who are struggling with their mental health by working alongside California’s law enforcement community to shatter stereotypes and stigma associated with mental illness.
  • Actionable support for California families — Providing families and loved ones who care for individuals living with mental illness the peace of mind that California is taking measurable steps to empower and train law enforcement officers to safely de-escalate an interaction with a person experiencing a mental health crisis.

How You Can Support the Mental Health Crisis Prevention Voluntary Tax Contribution Fund

California taxpayers can make a voluntary contribution to the Mental Health Crisis Prevention Voluntary Tax Contribution Fund when filing for their 2023 income taxes. Simply check the box that reads “Mental Health Crisis Prevention Voluntary Tax Contribution Fund” on the contributions page and donate to the dollar amount of your choice (line 445 on Form 540). Voluntary contributions may also made on the 540 2EZ, 540NR Long or Short Form and 541, Schedule C.

Mental health is more important now than ever before, so please help us get tax filers to give a little of what they are getting back to support health and safety for all Californians!