NAMI New York State

02/19/2026

Showing up. Speaking out. Working for the better. 💚💙

NAMI NYS was at Treatment Court Expansion Act Advocacy Day to use our voices for a system that prioritizes treatment over incarceration. Too often, people with mental health and substance use challenges are met with punishment instead of care. Treatment courts offer a more supportive, effective path—centered on recovery, accountability, and dignity.

We are incredibly proud of NAMI NYS Next Gen members Makieda McKenzie and Brianna Spadafora for participating in Treatment Court Act Expansion Day.

Advocacy means coming together to support policies that help people heal and strengthen our communities. 🗣️⚖️

Find out more about NAMI NYS's 2026 Legislative Priorities: https://naminys.org/nami-nys-legislative-priorities-page-2026/

02/18/2026

Representation matters — especially in conversations about mental health. 📣

During Black History Month, we honor the legacy, resilience, and leadership of Black Americans by uplifting voices that speak openly about anxiety, depression, therapy, and healing. Their words remind us that strength includes asking for support. 🫂

🔗Explore dedicated resources for Black and African American communities: https://www.nami.org/community-and-culture/black-african-american/

Mental health is part of our history. Part of our present. And part of our collective future. Let’s keep the conversation going. 💙 💚

02/17/2026

As we welcome the Year of the Horse in 2026, we’re reflecting on what this symbol of strength and momentum can mean for mental health across New York State. 🧧

The Horse represents resilience, independence, and the drive to keep moving forward — even when the path isn’t easy. That energy closely reflects NAMI NYS’s mission to advocate for improved quality of life for individuals living with mental illness.

Progress in mental health isn’t always loud or fast. Sometimes it’s a quiet conversation, attending a support group for the first time, or choosing to ask for help. Forward movement can be steady, intentional, and grounded in community.

This Lunar New Year, we’re honoring the courage it takes to grow, to speak up, and to support one another. Here’s to carrying that energy into 2026 — with compassion, strength, and hope for all. ✨

02/17/2026

Get ready to best support the youth in your life! Trauma impacts many of us, but we aren’t all
taught how to help. NAMI’s new TraumaInSight training covers the basics and newer topics in
trauma awareness.

Start the self-paced course today! 👉https://trauma-insight.nami.org/

02/16/2026

While our offices are closed today in observance of Presidents' Day, we recognize that mental health needs do not pause. Support, connection, and care remain essential—today and every day. 🧠⭐

If you need help or would like to speak with someone:
📞Call or text 988 for the Su***de & Crisis Lifeline (24/7, free, confidential)
🔗Visit nami.org/help to find additional resources and information

02/16/2026

Presidents’ Day is a time to reflect on leadership—but also on humanity. 🇺🇸

Please note that our offices are closed in observance of Presidents’ Day.

Behind historic speeches and landmark decisions were real people navigating grief, depression, anxiety, and emotional strain. From Abraham Lincoln’s struggles with melancholy to Theodore Roosevelt’s profound grief, James Madison’s bouts of depression, and Woodrow Wilson’s anxiety, history reminds us that mental health challenges do not discriminate—even at the highest levels of power.

These reflections are informed by reporting and historical analysis from NPR and the NAMI Blog, which explore both the personal mental health histories of past presidents and the ways presidential leadership has shaped mental health policy in the United States.

Leadership and vulnerability can coexist. Strength and struggle are not opposites. 🗣️

🔗Learn More: https://www.nami.org/blog/how-presidents-have-shaped-mental-health-care/

02/14/2026

Valentine’s Day can bring up a lot of feelings—and all of them are valid. 💗

Love isn’t limited to romantic relationships. It shows up in friendships, community, our pets, self-compassion, and the courage it takes to keep going. 🫂🐶 🏠🐱

Whether today feels joyful, heavy, or somewhere in between, you matter—and you’re not alone. Swipe to learn how to be your own Valentine and celebrate love in ways that feel right for you. 💙

🔗For further resources, explore the NAMI Blog for tips on caring for your heart—and your mental health: https://www.nami.org/blog/taking-care-of-your-heart-and-your-mind/

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02/13/2026

Misinformation about schizophrenia can deepen stigma, delay treatment, and make it harder for individuals and families to seek support. That’s why it’s critical to pay attention to the facts—not assumptions, not headlines, and not harmful stereotypes. 📢

Schizophrenia is a complex medical condition with evidence-based treatments, real neurological foundations, and real pathways to recovery. When we center accurate information, we create space for compassion, early intervention, and better outcomes.

Understanding reduces stigma. Facts empower action. 💙💚

🔗For trusted resources on how to support yourself, a family member, or a friend, visit: nami.org/types-of-conditions/schizophrenia

02/13/2026

02/12/2026

🎉 Introducing the NAMI NYS Next Gen Newsletter! 🎉

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. 🗣️ 💚

📬 The newsletter launches February 18th and will be delivered every other week.
✨ Sign-ups are open now—with details on content submissions coming soon!

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

02/12/2026

02/12/2026

🎉We’re pleased to welcome Taylor Locke (they/them) to NAMI New York State as our new Program Manager – Schizophrenia Comprehensive Care Initiative.

Taylor brings experience in mental health education and program coordination, with a focus on accessible, person-centered approaches. They also demonstrate a strong dedication to NAMI’s mission and values through their commitment to advancing education, advocacy, and support for individuals and families affected by mental illness. 💙💚

In this role, Taylor will lead a grant-funded, multi-year initiative focused exclusively on schizophrenia education. The work centers on expanding education about the full spectrum of schizophrenia symptoms, improving understanding of treatment and care options, and strengthening access to patient-centered care across New York State. This includes coordinating statewide education efforts, developing accessible tools and resources, partnering with affiliates and peers, and supporting evaluation and reporting tied to the initiative.

This role adds dedicated capacity to NAMI NYS’s work and supports our commitment to delivering evidence-informed, culturally responsive education and support for individuals and families affected by schizophrenia.

Taylor officially started on February 2nd—please join us in welcoming them to the team. 👏