NAMI Blog

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.

ARLINGTON, Va. – The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), the nation’s leading grassroots mental health organization, today announced its newly elected 2026-2027 board of directors. The board brings together leaders with deep community ties and lived experience who are committed to advancing mental health as a national priority. “At such a pivotal time for mental health in our nation, strong leadership has never been more important,” said Daniel H. Gillison, Jr., CEO of NAMI.

Arlington, VA — Today, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) expressed strong concerns about new rules released yesterday on Medicaid community engagement (work reporting) requirements, as required in legislation passed by Congress in 2025. The rules cover how work reporting requirements must be operationalized, including defining exemptions included by Congress in the legislation.

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) will recognize 13 individuals with the 2026 Exemplary Psychiatrist Award, honoring their exceptional contributions to improving the lives of people affected by mental health conditions. Honorees will be highlighted during NAMICon 2026, one of the nation’s largest gatherings of leaders and advocates across the mental health community. This year’s NAMICon will take place May 28-30 in Atlanta, GA.

Voting is not a substitute for care. But it is part of how people can shape the conditions that determine whether care is available and accessible in the first place. Over the past decade, rates of depression in the United States have climbed steadily, with some of the highest increases among young people. Today’s younger generations are more likely to talk about and report symptoms of anxiety and depression than those who came before them at the same age.

ARLINGTON, VA. – NAMI National and NAMI San Diego, the national and local branches of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, are deeply saddened by the horrific shootings and devastating loss of life that occurred this week at the Islamic Center of San Diego, a vital community center and mosque. Three people were tragically killed during the incident, including a security guard who deterred the shooters from reaching classrooms of young students close by.

NAMI has entered into a new partnership with Kappa Kappa Psi (ΚΚΨ), the national honorary band fraternity, to expand access to mental health resources for collegiate band members nationwide. Through the agreement, ΚΚΨ will recognize NAMI as its go-to source for mental health information and support, sharing NAMI tools, education materials, and opportunities for connection with chapters across the country.

In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, NAMI released a new publication, Trends in Access to Mental Health Care State Policy, which provides policy recommendations and highlights successful state legislation from 2025 to increase access to mental health care. One of NAMI’s strategic priorities is to ensure people receive high quality mental health care that is easily accessible, affordable, and equitable.