NAMI New York State

02/04/2026

Surviving cancer doesn’t mean the journey is over.

On World Cancer Day, we’re naming an often-overlooked truth: cancer survivors may still face anxiety, trauma, and fear — and mental health support matters. 💛

Read the blog via the link in our bio/Stories

02/04/2026

We are so proud to share that Taylor Locke has been selected to serve on NAMI Next Gen, the national young adult advisory group helping shape how NAMI supports youth and young adults across the country. 👏 💚

An award-winning mental health advocate from Troy, New York, Taylor brings five years of leadership within NAMI, including NAMI NYS Next Gen, along with experience in statewide organizing, global advocacy, and equity-centered work grounded in lived experience.

From leading student-led mental health initiatives to contributing to international policy conversations, Taylor continues to lead with courage, compassion, and vision. We’re beyond excited to see the impact of their leadership! 🗣️ 📣

🔗Learn more about NAMI Next Gen: https://www.nami.org/who-we-are/meet-nami-next-gen/

02/04/2026

Yesterday, NAMI NYS joined 11 other advocacy organizations in calling for a 2.7% increase in mental health funding to support mental health workers. We’re proud to stand up for those who care for us. 💙💚

02/03/2026

A justice system should support recovery, accountability, and human dignity—especially when mental health is involved. ⚖️🧠

🗣️ NAMI NYS is working to advance policies that reform the criminal justice system and improve forensic facilities across New York State—so people with mental health conditions receive appropriate care, rehabilitation, and support instead of punishment alone.

By prioritizing treatment over punishment, these policies move New York toward a more effective, humane system—one that supports long-term stability, public safety, and meaningful recovery. 📣

🔗Explore NAMI NYS’s 2026 Legislative Agenda: https://naminys.org/nami-nys-legislative-priorities-page-2026/

🏛️NAMI NYS members can take action by participating in Advocacy Day on March 4, 2026—an opportunity to engage with policymakers, stand alongside fellow advocates, and help move these priorities forward.

📣Become a Member Today: https://my.nami.org/join-nami

02/03/2026

We're proud to see NAMI New York State recognized in this press release announcing new legislation introduced by State Senator Kristen Gonzalez. 👏💙

The bill (S9051) would prohibit AI chatbots from offering services to minors when they include unsafe features—such as encouraging emotional dependency, storing sensitive mental or physical health data, engaging in sexually explicit interactions, or endorsing self-harm, violence, or secrecy.

Developed in collaboration with the New York State Attorney General’s Office and Common Sense Media, this legislation is grounded in current research on AI companions and their documented risks to young people. It represents an important step toward protecting children and promoting responsible technology use in New York.

NEW YORK, N.Y. – New York State Senator Kristen Gonzalez (SD-59), Chair of the Senate Committee on Internet and Technology, introduced a bill prohibiting unsafe chatbot features for minors (S9051). This is a new piece of legislation to prohibit AI chatbots from offering their services to minors wh...

02/02/2026

02/01/2026

In recognition of Black History Month, we’re sharing resources that deepen understanding of Black history and mental health—highlighting the experiences, contributions, and ongoing challenges within Black communities.

These articles, podcasts, and tools are offered as opportunities to learn, reflect, and engage more thoughtfully with the importance of equity and access in mental health care. 💙💚

🔗Black Pioneers in Mental Health: mhanational.org/resources/black-pioneers-in-mental-health/

🎧NAMI Podcast, Hope Starts With Us: Ensuring Mental Health Access for All, Episode 62: https://www.nami.org/hope-starts-with-us/hope-starts-with-us-ensuring-mental-health-access-for-all/

🔗Caregiving in BIPOC Communities: mhanational.org/resources/caregiving-in-bipoc-communities/

🎧History This Week Podcast, A Century of Stigma for Black America and Mental Health, Season 1, Episode 23: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-century-of-stigma-for-black-america-and-mental-health/id1493453604?i=1000476394488

01/30/2026

Snowstorms can disrupt routines, increase isolation, and heighten stress—but small steps can make a difference. ❄️

Staying connected, caring for your body, letting in natural light, and giving yourself permission to rest are all ways to support your mental health during challenging weather.

And remember: asking for help is always okay. 💙
If you or someone you care about needs support, resources are available 24/7.

📞Call or text 988 for the Su***de & Crisis Lifeline (24/7, free, confidential)
🔗Visit nami.org/help to find additional resources and information

01/29/2026

S1714, a bill NAMI NYS advocated for, has passed the Senate Health Committee—an important step toward ending harmful practices and protecting Black and Brown communities! 🎉

My bill, S1714, just passed the Senate Health Committee, prohibiting the use of "excited delirium" as a diagnosis, label, or cause of death. This legislation will protect our Black and Brown communities by ensuring scientific accuracy, accountability, and justice in our legal system.

01/29/2026

to our 2026 NAMI NYS Advocacy Lunch & Learn webinar on Mental Health Courts.

This session focused on how New York State’s Mental Health Courts improve public safety and outcomes by linking justice-involved individuals with mental illness to court-supervised, community-based treatment.

We discussed program design, impact, and the critical role communities play as we prepare to advocate for Mental Health Courts in 2026.
https://youtu.be/wQiDHHLp_y0?si=hbvxTapcHXTNAswU

01/28/2026

Everyone deserves dignity, respect, and a meaningful role in decisions about their mental health care—even during a crisis. 📣

💛 Jesse’s Law (S1000) would give individuals facing involuntary psychiatric admission the ability to have a say in where they receive care, within reasonable and clearly defined limits.

Hospitals differ in capacity, treatment approach, and proximity to support systems. Allowing people to express a preference can support more coordinated care, reduce disruption, and improve recovery outcomes—while still ensuring safety and access.

🔗 Learn more about Jesse’s Law and NAMI NYS’s 2026 Legislative Priorities: https://naminys.org/nami-nys-legislative-priorities-page-2026/

01/27/2026

Today, we pause to remember the six million Jewish victims of the Holocaust and the millions of others who also lost their lives, among them people with mental illness and disabilities, LGBTQ+ individuals, and others who were targeted.

This day calls on us to confront the truth, honor survivors, and learn from history. The trauma of the Holocaust continues to reverberate across generations, underscoring the importance of mental health, healing, and standing against hatred in all its forms.

At NAMI, we recognize that remembrance is not only about looking back, but also about building a future grounded in compassion, equity, and care.