Annotation: The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is a grass-roots, self-help, support and advocacy organization of people with serious mental illness and their families and friends. NAMI's mission is to eradicate mental illness and to improve the quality of life for those who suffer from these no-fault brain diseases. Services provided include: a helpline at (800) 950-NAMI to provide information between 8:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.; support for research into etiology, treatments, and a cure for neurobiological brain disorders; support groups for parents, siblings, and children of the mentally ill and consumers of mental health services; educational programs such as the "Family-to-Family" Education program presented in localities nationwide; and technical assistance to affiliates at local and state levels who wish to engage in advocating for the improved, non-discriminatory services for neurobiological brain disorders. Events include regional conferences, an annual convention held each July, and an annual Mental Illness Awareness Week in early October. Publications include a catalog, a bimonthly newsletter,The Advocate (available for the annual membership fee of $25), and Decade of the Brain, (a quarterly publication (available for an annual subscription fee of $20). Some materials are available in Spanish. A free publication, Because Kids Grow Up, focusing on children and adolescents is also available to parents by calling the helpline.
Keywords: Attention deficit disorder, Bipolar disorder, Depression, Hyperactivity, Mental disorders, Mental health, Schizophrenia, Spanish language materials