In addition to working cooperatively with many local, state, and national institutions to secure research funding and grants, family members of local affiliates actively participate in numerous studies and testing procedures to help researchers find the causes and relieve the symptoms of chronic mental illness. The goal of NAMI Georgia's advocacy program is to ensure quality institutional and community services for the chronically mentally ill and to help them find jobs, places to live, proper medical treatment, rehabilitation services, and hospitalization when appropriate. NAMI Georgia's advocacy program is dedicated to raising the awareness of the needs of the mentally ill in both the private and the public sectors and to raising the funds necessary to meet those needs. Thanks to these advocacy efforts, millions of dollars have been raised through the Georgia State Legislature to fund vital community mental health services including crisis intervention, case management, residential services, and day treatment programs. One in every four American families is affected by mental illness.
Mental illness fills more hospital beds than cancer, lung and heart disease combined.
Recent research indicates severe mental illnesses such as schizophrenia and manic depression are biochemically caused brain diseases. They are not caused by a poor home environment or the result of character flaws. While there are no known cures, treatments are available which can substantially reduce the symptoms of these illnesses and enable those affected by them to meet the challenges of daily living. NAMI Georgia's membership is open to all individuals who have an interest in improving the quality of life for the mentally ill in Georgia. This includes patients, family members, friends, professionals, and organizations alike.