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NAMI : National Alliance on Mental Illness

NAMI : National Alliance on Mental Illness Logo

Basic Information

Address: 510 Belknap, Rm 242 San Antonio, Texas 78212
Phone Number: 210-734-3349
Fax Number: 210-734-9596
Email: namisat@aol.com
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NAMI : National Alliance on Mental Illness
NAMI : National Alliance on Mental Illness
NAMI : National Alliance on Mental Illness
NAMI : National Alliance on Mental Illness

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Additional Information

President: Kym Bolado
Service Description: NAMI San Antonio is a non-profit 501 © 3 corporation. It is a grass roots, self-help, support and advocacy organization of consumers, families and friends of people with severe mental illnesses, such as schizophrenia, schizo-affective, bipolar disorder, major depression, obsessive-compulsive/anxiety disorders, pervasive developmental disorders, attention deficit disorders and other severe and persistent mental illnesses that affect the brain.
Mission Statement:

NAMI San Antonio works to promote equitable services and treatment for consumers and families living with mental illnesses through education and advocacy.

Membership Fee: Family Fee Per Year: $35.00, fee can be waived for financial reasons upon request.
Eligibility Requirements: Registration is limited to persons 13 years of age and older.
Area Served: San Antonio and surrounding areas
Hours of Operation/Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 5:00 pm
Services Offered:
NAMI San Antonio offers classes in English and Spanish on the topic of educating Consumers, Family Members, Persons who have loved ones with Mental Illness, as well as the community. There are classes taught year round that are specifically geared for: consumers, family members, support groups, and general montly meetings.
Events:

The second Tuesday of each month, NAMI San Antonio holds its monthly meetings at 510 Belknap, in the Parish Hall of Chist Episcopal Church, located in San Antonio, Tx 78212.

Conferences/Speakers: Every month we have a guest speaker at our Monthly Meetings. Topics range from: Advocacy, Treatment of Diagnosis, Knowing your Support Network, Medication and Research innovations, and much more. Each lecture speaks for 45 minutes, followed by time for Questions and Answers.
Fundraisers: NAMI San Antonio also had a annual Walk for the Minds of America events, which is our fundraiser for the year, and a family friendly event designed to teach people about Mental Illness awareness in San Antonio.
Support Groups: There are many different support groups which NAMI is a part of including: Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance of San Antonio, Peer Support Groups, Heads Up Victory Group (Peer Support Group), Family Support Groups, Mental Health Support Groups, Consumer and Family Support Groups, NAMI Connections, Art Class (Therapy), Spanish Family Support Group, Interdenominational Support Group, Failth Based Support Groups. To get more information, please feel free to call our office : 210-734-3349
History:

NAMI San Antonio was incorporated as The San Antonio Alliance for the Mentally Ill in October, 1984 under the guidance of five directors: Clarissa Ashley, Ulamae Bond, Rachel Cheyney, Marge Holmes and Marge Ognibene.

Article IV of the original Articles of Incorporation states “The corporation shall operate exclusively for the following charitable or educational purposes:

(a) To establish, encourage, and perpetuate an organization of families and friends of people with mental illness

(b) To promote the welfare, comfort, and happiness and to improve the conditions generally of the mentally ill, wherever they may be

(c) To foster new and improved programs and services and further the advancement of studies and research for treatment of the mentally ill

(d) To further means for providing for adequate medical services, employment, housing, care, education, recreation, and other opportunities for the mentally ill

(e) To develop an enlightened and sympathetic public understanding of the problems of the mentally ill, and of the public responsibilities relative to the mentally ill …”

Detailed Organization Information:

From its inception in 1979, NAMI has been dedicated to improving the lives of individuals and families affected by mental illness.

For three decades, NAMI has established itself as the most formidable grassroots mental health advocacy organization in the country. Dedication, steadfast commitment and unceasing belief in NAMI's mission by grassroots advocates have produced profound changes. NAMI's greatest strength is the dedication of our grassroots leaders and members. We are the families, friends and individuals that serve to strengthen communities across the country.

Due in large part to generous individual, corporate, and foundation donations, NAMI is able to build on its success and continue to focus on three cornerstones of activity that offer hope, reform, and health to our American community: Awareness, Education, and Advocacy.

Financial contributions allow NAMI to offer an array of programs, initiatives, and activities in support of the NAMI mission, a sample of which is described below.

Awareness and Support: A Pathway to Recovery

NAMI's support and public education efforts are focused on educating America about mental illness, offering resources to those in need, and insisting that mental illness become a high national priority. Mental illness is a serious medical illness that affects one in four families. No one is to blame. Treatment works, but only half of people living with mental illness receive treatment. NAMI has engaged in a variety of activities to create awareness about mental illness and promote the promise of recovery.

Education: The Face and Voice of Mental Illness

NAMI offers an array of peer education and training programs, initiatives and services for individuals, family members, health care providers and the general public. NAMI's education and support programs provide relevant information, valuable insight, and the opportunity to engage in support networks. These programs draw on the lived experience of individuals who have learned to live well with mental illness and have been extensively trained to help others, as well as the expertise of mental health professionals and educators. NAMI and volunteer grassroots leaders are committed to education as the pathway to recovery, empowerment and wellness. In addition to education programs and initiatives offered through NAMI National, many of NAMI's over 1,100 affiliates offer an array of support and education programs and activities for families and individuals. Many of NAMI's program offerings are also available in Spanish language and some are also provided by means of translations into other languages.

Advocacy: A Respected Force

NAMI is recognized as the preeminent voice on Capitol Hill and in state houses across the country for the millions of Americans living with serious mental illness. NAMI advocates have fought for policy changes that raise the bar on mental illness care and promote treatment and research on par with other illnesses. NAMI's advocacy provides a unique voice for people who live with mental illness and their families in state and federal public and private-sector policies that facilitate research, end discrimination, reduce barriers to successful life in the community and promote timely, comprehensive and effective mental health services and supports. NAMI National and NAMI grassroots leaders work steadily to influence critical national policy debates as they unfold.

What are the benefits of NAMI membership?

All NAMI members receive the benefits of membership at all three levels of the organization, including:

  • Membership in the local affiliate, state organization, and NAMI national organizations
  • Eligibility to vote in all NAMI elections
  • A subscription to The Advocate NAMI's quarterly magazine, as well as access to optional subscriptions to specialty newsletters and information at the national, state, and local levels.
  • Member discounts on brochures, videos, promotional items, and registration at NAMI's annual convention and many state and local conferences.
  • Access to exclusive members-only material on www.nami.org
  • Become a NAMI member
Slogan: NAMI, National Alliance on Mental Illness, Dedicated to the erradication of Mental Illness, and to the Improvement of Life for All who are affected by Mental Illness