NAMI Blog

In a letter to the editor published in The New York Times, NAMI’s Chief Medical Officer Dr. Christine Crawford explains why talking about mental health is so important and how greater understanding can help people recognize when it may be time to seek support. The reality is that millions of Americans are experiencing mental health challenges, and how we talk about it can influence whether someone reaches out for help. The goal of mental health education is not to encourage self-diagnosis.

Through the Community Health Equity Alliance (CHEA), NAMI is working to reduce mental health crises nationwide, especially in Black/African Ancestry communities. One component of increasing access to mental health care and trust in mental health care systems is increasing representation among providers. By partnering with the Young Doctors Project, NAMI is helping to Pack the Pipeline with diverse mental health professionals.

Arlington, VA — A new NAMI/Ipsos poll finds that most Americans oppose Medicaid coverage loss for people with mental illness under upcoming Medicaid community engagement requirements. Troublingly, 80% of Americans are unfamiliar with these requirements, which could leave many people unprepared when the requirements take effect in January 2027.

A joint post from the National Alliance for Caregiving and the National Alliance on Mental Illness Behind nearly every person managing a serious health condition is someone helping them navigate it — coordinating appointments, managing medications, responding to crises, and advocating for their dignity. These 63 million family caregivers are an important part of America’s mental health system, but data suggest they are under serious mental and emotional strain.

This episode highlights mental health systems and caregiving for loved ones with mental health conditions. As NAMI recognizes Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month this July, Dr. Glenda Wrenn Gordon and Christopher Hampton join NAMI CEO Daniel H. Gillison, Jr. to discuss the NAMI Family Caregiver HelpLine and Crisis Can’t Wait materials, as well as exploring advice about navigating mental health care systems.

From “In Focus” on Spectrum News: Hannah Wesolowski, chief advocacy officer for the National Alliance on Mental Illness, highlights the national challenges with behavioral health in the criminal justice system. She says a lack of investment in community mental health care means many individuals receive help only when in crisis, often resulting in incarceration. Early intervention and continued investment in community health are critical, she says.

Kody Green joins “Hope Starts With Us” to share his story of living with schizophrenia. From diagnosis to incarceration to his thriving present-day life, this episode will explore the impact of Kody’s experiences on how he has evolved over the years. As a content creator with a following of two million across platforms, Kody’s story resonates with so many who want to feel community with someone who lives with mental illness and learn more about what it’s like to navigate schizophrenia.

Arlington, VA — The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is once again putting its values into practice with its sixth annual Rest Up Week from June 29 to July 3. During this time, the NAMI national office will close, giving employees a full week of paid time off. The week reflects NAMI’s commitment to supporting well-being in the workplace at a time when research shows that 53% of employees in the United States report feeling burned out because of their job.

With deep gratitude and appreciation, NAMI announces the forthcoming retirement of chief medical officer Dr. Ken Duckworth on June 30, 2026. Ken Duckworth, MD, joined NAMI in 2003, bringing with him an unwavering commitment to advancing mental health through science, advocacy, and compassionate care. Although he is retiring from the chief medical officer role, he will stay close to the community as a volunteer for both the NAMI HelpLine and the NAMI Scientific Advisory Council.

Arlington, VA — Late last week, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) issued an opinion that is contrary to the decades-long position held by the federal government that has sought to help people with disabilities, including people with mental illness, receive necessary health care services while living in their community. The opinion, released on June 18, reinterprets the 1999 Supreme Court case, Olmstead v.