NAMI New York State

04/29/2026

Mental health should be treated as essential—not optional. 💙

S2033/A279 would update New York’s Constitution to make mental health care a clear responsibility of the state by changing “may” to “shall.”

Please support NAMI NYS's call to make mental health equal to public health in the NYS Constitution.

🔗 Contact your legislators in support: https://naminys.quorum.us/campaign/NYSConstitution/

04/29/2026

NAMI NYS is proud to join Assemblymember Harry Bronson and State Senator Jessica Ramos in the call to update Temporary Disability Insurance, which has not been changed since 1989.

Individuals managing health conditions—including mental health—should not be pushed into financial crisis because state support is limited to $172 per week, cannot be used intermittently, and offers no job or health insurance protections.

Proud to stand with State Senator Jessica Ramos to fight for increased short term disability benefits. This legislation would align temporary disability leave policy with today’s cost of living. No family should be asked to survive on $170 a week. Let’s get A9571/S172 over the finish line.

04/29/2026

Do you know where your pill came from? Unless you got it from a pharmacy or your doctor, it could contain a deadly dose of fentanyl.

Substance use and mental health are closely connected—understanding both can help protect you and those around you.

🔗 Protect yourself and your friends by learning the facts and accessing support at fentanylawarenessday.org.

04/28/2026

NAMI New York State’s Annual Education Conference brings together leaders, advocates, and individuals with lived experience to move mental health forward across New York State—and your partnership helps make it possible. 💙💚

Sponsorship Opportunities:
✨ Empower Sponsor – $5,000
✨ NAMI NYS Bookstore Sponsor – $2,500
✨ Wellness Room Sponsor – $1,500

As a sponsor, you’ll gain meaningful visibility while directly supporting education, advocacy, and community-driven change. 📣

For more information, contact Kathryn Beilke, NAMI NYS Development and Fundraising Manager, at: kathryn@naminys.org

🔗 To learn more about EdCon sponsorship opportunities, visit: https://naminys.org/get-involved/annual-events/annual-education-conference/

04/27/2026

We’re proud to share that Elisa Tobia, a member of NAMI Steuben County and the NAMI New York State Board of Directors, has joined the Disability Rights New York PAIMI Advisory Council, representing the lower Western NY and Southern Tier regions. 💙💚

In this role, Elisa will help shape program priorities, provide recommendations, and support outreach efforts to better serve individuals living with mental health conditions across New York.

Bringing her lived experience and advocacy background, Elisa is committed to ensuring the voices of individuals and families are heard and reflected in meaningful change.

🔗 Read more about the PAIMI Advisory Council: https://ow.ly/BMlO50YO0yy

04/27/2026

Such a powerful and creative initiative. 💙

By lighting the gallery teal for Tardive Dyskinesia (TD) Awareness Week, ARTLife717 and NAMI Columbia County are helping bring visibility to a condition that is often misunderstood.

Recognizing TD is key to breaking stigma, encouraging open conversations, and ensuring those impacted feel seen and supported. 🫂

ARTLife717 will be lighting the gallery teal in recognition of TD Awareness Week, May 3–May 10, 2026, in collaboration with NAMI Columbia County. Tardive dyskinesia is a movement disorder that can affect the face, body, fingers, and toes, and awareness can help reduce stigma, encourage treatment conversations, and support those impacted. Visitors are welcome to view the current exhibit, Creating Calm, throughout May and early June.

04/25/2026

📣 Join us for our May Lunch & Learn!

🗓 May 5, 2026
⏰ 1–2 PM

This month, NAMI NYS is joined by The Campaign for New York Health to break down the New York Health Act—a universal healthcare proposal aimed at providing comprehensive coverage for all New Yorkers.

We’ll walk through how the bill works, what it could change in our current system, and its potential economic impact on individuals, employers, and providers.

🔗 Register to join us: https://form.jotform.com/260916037632153

04/24/2026

The Drug Enforcement Administration’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is your chance to safely dispose of unused or expired medications and help prevent misuse in your community.

🗓 Saturday, April 25
🕙 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. (local time)

Drop-off sites nationwide will accept:
✔️ Tablets
✔️ Capsules
✔️ Patches
✔️ Other solid prescription medications

🔗 Find a collection site near you: https://www.dea.gov/takebackday?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

04/23/2026

This week, NAMI NYS joined Communities Not Cages Advocacy Day in support of policies aimed at advancing New York State’s criminal justice system. 📣

🔗Learn more about our 2026 Legislative Priorities: https://naminys.org/nami-nys-legislative-priorities-page-2026/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

04/23/2026

Now Accepting Nominations: NAMI-NYS Board of Directors!

We’re building a Board that reflects the full strength of our community—and we want to hear from you.

We’re seeking candidates with a range of skills and lived experiences, including:
➡️ Legal, finance, clinical, and healthcare expertise
➡️ Veteran and youth perspectives
➡️ Law enforcement, especially CIT experience

We’re also looking for individuals who:
✔️ Can advance NAMI New York State’s statewide mission
✔️ Have the time and commitment to actively serve

🗓 Deadline to Apply: May 21, 2026
🔗 Apply here: https://form.jotform.com/260504946460053

04/22/2026

This Earth Day, step outside and support your mental health. 🌎💚

Time in nature can help ease stress, improve mood, and create space to reconnect. Sometimes healing starts with something simple—a breath of fresh air. And wherever you are in your journey, NAMI New York State is here for you.

How do you connect with nature to support your mental wellness? ⬇️

04/21/2026

OMH Community Engagement Session UPDATE for those who have registered!

IMPORTANT UPDATE: THE YONKERS SESSIONS WILL TAKE PLACE ON ZOOM DUE TO UNFORESEEN VENUE CIRCUMSTANCES.
THE TROY SESSIONS WILL PROCEED AS PLANNED.

The links to register for the virtual Yonkers sessions and the in-person Troy sessions are below.

Yonkers Zoom registration links:
Tuesday night: https://omh-ny.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/8L-WdqgsSKKSA7AkJLe9bg #/
Wednesday morning: https://omh-ny.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/UKmT-kpHQcyHNdT2bWC_Lg #/
Note: If you have already registered, you do not need to re-register. The virtual sessions are only open to residents of the Hudson River Region.

Troy registration link: https://nysomh.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_aY4ldRPiMiLKLn8