NAMI New York State

04/05/2026

Happy Easter from NAMI New York State to you 💐💙

Wishing you a day filled with peace, comfort, and time to recharge—whether you’re spending it with loved ones or taking a quiet moment for yourself.

04/03/2026

April 21-22 – REGISTER NOW!

The New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH), in partnership with the Hudson River Region Directors of Community Services, is hosting in-person Community Engagement Sessions in the Mid-Hudson and Capital District regions, and we want to hear from you!

Times & Locations:
Tuesday, April 21, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. and Wednesday April 22, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Lansingburgh Boys and Girls Club, 501 4th Ave, Troy, NY 12182
Yonkers Public Library – Grinton I. Will Branch, 1500 Central Park Ave, Yonkers, NY 10710

The sessions are open to all community members, and all ages are welcome to attend! We especially want to hear from people who receive or have received mental health services, and people who have wanted to get services but haven’t. We are asking for help from peer workers and other mental health providers, advocates, and anyone who works with people participating in mental health programs. Please share this information with the people you work with so all voices can be heard!

Registration link: https://nysomh.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_aY4ldRPiMiLKLn8

04/03/2026

🎨 NAMI New York State Next Gen is excited to announce the 2026 Youth Art Show!

Taking place May 11–15 at the New York State Capitol in Albany, this event will highlight artwork from young people across the state, sharing powerful perspectives on mental health. Join us in uplifting youth voices and breaking stigma through creativity. 💙💚

🗓 All physical artwork must be received by May 1, 2026.

🔗If you or someone you know is interested in participating, please sign up here: https://form.jotform.com/260825076382157

📩 Want to stay up to date on all Next Gen opportunities? Sign up for our newsletter: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/8cslVfH

04/03/2026

NAMI NYS joined Katal Center for Equity, Health, and Justice on the launch of the new public, online complaint portal—created after years of advocacy to strengthen oversight and accountability in New York’s correctional system. 🏛️📣

People with mental illness are significantly overrepresented in jails and prisons and often face unsafe, unstable, and inhumane conditions.

While we envision a future rooted in early intervention, community-based care, and crisis response systems that reduce justice system involvement, we must also ensure that those who are incarcerated have access to quality mental health treatment.

This new portal allows incarcerated individuals, families, and loved ones to file complaints and advocate for safer conditions and accessible care. 💙

🔗Read the press release here: https://katalcenter.org/2026/04/new-yorks-jail-and-prison-watchdog-now-has-a-public-complaint-portal/

04/02/2026

More than 400,000 New Yorkers could lose coverage under the Essential Plan—putting access to care at risk for those who need it most. ⚠️

This program supports individuals who earn too much for Medicaid but can’t afford private insurance—and with 1 in 4 mental health dollars coming from Medicaid, the stakes couldn’t be higher.

While lawmakers consider a temporary solution, funding remains uncertain. At its core, this isn’t just about budgets—it’s about affordability, access, and ensuring no one falls through the cracks.

04/02/2026

Today, on World Autism Awareness Day, we recognize the importance of understanding autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and supporting individuals and families impacted by it. 💙

ASD is a developmental condition that affects communication, social interaction, and behavior. Because it exists on a spectrum, experiences and support needs can vary widely.

Raising awareness helps build more inclusive communities and ensures that individuals with autism can access the resources and support they deserve.

🔗 Learn more about autism, including symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and support resources: nami.org/co-occurring-conditions/autism/

04/01/2026

The 2026 Wellness Conference, hosted by the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office, brings together first responders, veterans, and wellness professionals to focus on resilience, mental health, and overall well-being.

Whether you serve, support, or advocate for those in high-stress roles, this is an opportunity to connect, learn, and invest in well-being.💙

🔗 Register today: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2026-suffolk-county-sheriffs-office-wellness-conference-tickets-1980015018220?aff=oddtdtcreator&fbclid=IwY2xjawQ6SutleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFUV1MxeDdURkRGSE1pb0lrc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHkfM-0uNcgX8N64sn4KU1EfXjUdAkluIAwlESMpyzZ5tZvd-htkWYOtFopMm_aem_3aGio3KpV3CgtEUm-oT6Vw

The 2026 Wellness Conference hosted by the Suffolk County Sheriff's Office will bring together first responders, veterans, and wellness professionals to focus on resilience, mental health, and overall well-being.

The "Stronger Together: Building a Culture of Resilience" conference theme highlights the importance of supporting those who face daily challenges in service to others. Attendees will gain practical tools, valuable resources, and insights to help sustain their strength on and off the job.

Whether you work in public safety, support those who do, or are passionate about wellness in high-stress professions, this conference is an opportunity to connect, learn, and invest in yourself and your team.

Register - https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2026-suffolk-county-sheriffs-office-wellness-conference-tickets-1980015018220?aff=oddtdtcreator

04/01/2026

Created by the NAMI NYS Next Gen team, this brand-new, youth-led digital newsletter is all about amplifying the voices of youth and young adults across New York State.

From real stories and lived experiences to resources, opportunities, and ways to get involved—this space is designed to spotlight what truly matters to young people. Whether you’re a young person, a NAMI On Campus leader, or someone passionate about uplifting youth voices, this newsletter is for you. 🗣️ 💚

🔗 Sign-Up: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/8cslVfH

04/01/2026

03/31/2026

Today, on Transgender Day of Visibility, we celebrate the strength, resilience, and contributions of trans and gender-diverse individuals. 🏳️‍⚧️

Mental health disparities remain urgent: nearly 4 in 10 LGBTQ+ young people report seriously considering su***de in the past year—rising to almost half of transgender and nonbinary youth. LGBTQ+ youth of color experience even higher rates, and about 45% of trans and nonbinary young people say they or their families have considered moving due to current laws and policies. (Source: The Trevor Project)

The LGBTQ+ community is not one-size-fits-all—each identity brings unique experiences and challenges. Barriers like stigma, discrimination, and lack of culturally competent care can impact access to support.

Affirming, inclusive mental health care matters. When individuals feel safe and supported, better outcomes—and recovery—are possible. 💙💚

🔗 Learn more and find LGBTQ+ resources: https://www.nami.org/community-and-culture/lgbtq/