NAMI Central Iowa

02/03/2026

Are you passionate about mental health in your community? Been trying to find a way to use your creativity? NAMI has made it simple and easy to get creative, raise awareness and fundraise your way!
All fundraising helps support our efforts in reducing stigma around mental health and supports our programs across our communities we serve.
Click the link below to learn more.
https://doityourway.nami.org/centraliowanu l

I’m participating in NAMI Do-It-Your-Way. That means I’m all in to make all the difference I can in a world where mental health affects so many of us. I’m starting by supporting our local NAMI: their free services, wonderful programs and life-changing resources. Won’t you join me by making a...

02/02/2026

We thank our NAMI National office for this message.
https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1LpaPM9gPB/?mibextid=wwXIfr

01/29/2026

💚💚We want to present to you for the first time ever, NAMI Central Iowa’s compassion team. This team is comprised of Board members, staff members and volunteers who have lived experience, compassion in their hearts to serve those who have experienced the loss of a loved one by su***de or homicide. We currently have one valued partnership with a funeral home who reported 12 su***des since thanksgiving of 2025. Our goal is to grow our partnerships with funeral homes to provide support services to those wanting them.

Our compassion team members are extensively trained individuals, including being trained in peer support.

Our hope is to add additional members of the compassion team to cover all 14 counties we currently serve in districts 2,3,5, and 6.
Our compassion team’s commitment is rooted with love, kindness and understanding. We are here to support you at no cost to you. We are here for as long as you need us.
To learn more about our compassion team please email rpetersen@namicentraliowa.org
You can also submit your interest form by clicking link below. ⬇️ and a representative from NAMI will reach out to you.

https://namicentraliowa.org/get-involved/volunteer/

If you are interested in investing in this program please click the link below ⬇️
Ear mark: Compassion Team.
https://namicentraliowa.org/donate/st
Please like and share to raise awareness. 💚💚

01/24/2026

NAMI shares statement on supporting mental health during times of community stress related to immigration enforcement actions

Across the country, people are experiencing fear and trauma during times of heightened community stress. As people speak up and seek to be heard, responding with violence is never the answer.

NAMI stands in solidarity with everyone affected. You are not alone.

Read the full statement from CEO Dan Gillison at nami.org — https://www.nami.org/nami-news/statement-from-nami-ceo-on-supporting-mental-health-during-times-of-community-stress/

If you or someone you love is feeling overwhelmed, support is available through
the NAMI HelpLine at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264),
by texting NAMI to 62640, or
at nami.org/help.

If you are in immediate distress or crisis, call or text 988 for 24/7 support.

01/23/2026

Below is our Wellness and Recovery Center calendar and Support Group Links for online groups for February 2026!

01/23/2026

Meet Jeff & Nick. Jeff and Nick serve on our board of directors. They are both very passionate about mental health on college campuses. Nick is currently attending, Iowa State and see’s the need on campus.
Last night they attended the Iowa State University Welcome Fest. ♥️
This continued outreach in story county is crucial in raising awareness about our services, but more importantly creating meaningful relationships with young adults. We want our college student’s to know they are not alone and that NAMI is a safe and confidential space to receive peer support through our peer support program.
We are committed to providing support, education and raising awareness through our outreach efforts.
We will continue to foster relationships and stay committed to the advocacy work for our young adults on college campuses.

01/23/2026

We are now nearly 7 months into the new system alignment. Hard to believe time has gone so fast.
Below you can see our new district map for the state of Iowa and Iowa Primary Care Association.
Our 14 counties lie between districts 2,3,5, and 6.
We recognize that with the new system alignment it has brought challenges in navigation on where to access certain services. We will be sharing in the up coming days valuable resources for your education and viewing.
If you are having trouble navigating the new system alignment and changes, and have questions. Please reach out to rpetersen@namicentraliowa.org

01/23/2026

Our staff joined others in Wellness Wednesday- Slam the Stigma this week at Iowa Central Community College. This an outreach event that gave the young adults the opportunity to connect with our team, learn about resources in their community and learn more about what we are doing on campus.
We look forward to our continued partnership and serving young adults in Webster County.

01/23/2026

If you are looking for disability access points in Iowa under the new system alignment. Please see those outlined below. ⬇️

Disability Access Points (DAPs) are local organizations that support individuals with disabilities, their families and their caregivers. Support is provided with connection to short-term and long-term resources to ensure all individuals get the right support to live healthy, independent lives.

Learn more about each DAP here: https://hhs.iowa.gov/initiatives/system-alignment/iowas-disability-services-system including where they are located in Iowa, contact information, office hours and resources.

01/22/2026

ANNOUNCEMENT 📣
NAMI Central Iowa’s weather policy follows the Ames School District early outs and closings. Due to dangerous temperatures our offices will be closed January, 23rd.
We have support staff working remotely and taking calls.
If you need assistance please call 515-290-9510 or email jhall@namicentraliowa.org

01/21/2026

‼️‼️The Wellness and Recovery Center will be closed tomorrow. Due to staff illness. ‼️‼️
We are sorry for this inconvenience this may cause.

01/19/2026

Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s words remind us that progress, especially when it comes to mental health, isn’t always easy, but it is always worth it. 💚💚💚

Today, we pay tribute to the life and enduring legacy of Dr. King. His teachings inspire us to amplify our voices and continue to fight against injustice and discrimination.

NAMI Central Iowa remains comitted in our unwavering commitment in expanding access to critical services and promoting mental health and well-being for all people living in Iowa.
We must continue to strengthen our communities and support those communities with access to resources, supports and education. We need to continue to provide opportunity to Advocate and share their lived experience.
Elevated voices create change.