Organization: NAMI - VIRGINIA
Mission: TO PROMOTE AND IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF LIFE OF VIRGINIANS WITH SERIOUS MENTAL ILLNESS THROUGH SUPPORT, EDUCATION AND ADVOCACY.
Activities: EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND SUPPORT PROGRAMS: NAMI VIRGINIA OFFERS AN ARRAY OF EDUCATIONAL, TRAINING, AND SUPPORT PROGRAMS FOR INDIVIDUALS AFFECTED BY MENTAL ILLNESS AND THEIR FAMILIES AND CAREGIVERS. PROGRAMS INCLUDE FAMILY TO FAMILY, A FREE 12 WEEK COURSE FOR FAMILIES, PARTNERS, AND CAREGIVERS TO LEARN SKILLS TO COPE AND TO HELP THEIR LOVED ONES. PEER TO PEER IS A FREE 10-WEEK COURSE ON RECOVERY FROM MENTAL ILLNESS, CRISIS PREVENTION, WELLNESS TOOLS, AND RELAPSE PREVENTION. OTHER PROGRAMS INCLUDE NAMI BASICS AND VIRGINIA FAMILY NETWORK, BOTH OF WHICH ARE FOR PARENTS AND CAREGIVERS OF CHILDREN WITH MENTAL HEALTH DISORDERS. IN ADDITION, EDUCATION AND ANTI-STIGMA PROGRAMS ARE OFFERED TO THE PUBLIC TO PROMOTE UNDERSTANDING OF MENTAL ILLNESS AND TO REDUCE STIGMA, INCLUDING IN OUR OWN VOICE.
AFFILIATE GROWTH: IN AN EFFORT TO REACH EVERY COMMUNITY IN THE STATE, NAMI - VIRGINIA PROVIDES ONGOING SUPPORT TO ITS 14 AFFILIATES, EMERGING AFFILIATES, AND NEW COMMUNITIES INTERESTED IN IMPLEMENTING NAMI'S MISSIONS AND PROGRAMS. GUIDANCE IS OFFERED THROUGH AN ANNUAL RETREAT FOR AFFILIATE LEADERSHIP, AN OPPORTUNITY TO PROVIDE TARGETED LEARNING AND NETWORKING. TRAINING FOCUSES ON DAY-TO-DAY OPERATIONS, COMPLIANCE, AND GROWTH AND SUSTAINABILITY. AFFILIATES ALSO RECEIVE A MONTHLY NEWSLETTER, COACHING, EDUCATION, AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT.
PUBLIC ADVOCACY: NAMI VIRGINIA IS A KEY VOICE INFORMING THE VIRGINIA LEGISLATURE ABOUT MENTAL ILLNESS AND ABOUT THE LIVES OF MANY THOUSANDS OF VIRGINIANS WHO STRUGGLE DAILY WITH MENTAL HEALTH CHALLENGES. NAMI - VIRGINIA EDUCATES THE LEGISLATORS AND THEIR STAFF ABOUT THE NEED FOR BETTER ACCESS TO EFFECTIVE SERVICES AND TREATMENTS, AND ADVOCATES FOR POLICY CHANGES THAT PROMOTE IMPROVEMENTS IN HEALTH CARE THAT END DISCRIMINATION AND REDUCE BARRIERS TO SUCCESSFUL LIFE IN THE COMMUNITY. NAMI'S GRASSROOTS LEADERS HAVE BEEN A SIGNIFICANT INFLUENCE ON STATE POLICY DISCUSSIONS ON MENTAL ILLNESS.
NTEE category: Mental Health & Crisis Intervention
Secondary category: Voluntary Health Associations & Medical Disciplines