NAMI Illinois

03/12/2026

Military service members, veterans, and their families face unique mental health challenges, and support should be accessible when they need it most.

NAMI Illinois is proud to share NAMI Homefront Mental Health Resources — a free, online resource hub available 24/7.

Designed for caregivers, family members, veterans, and service members, this resource provides information on:
• Mental health conditions
• Treatment options
• Stress management and self-care
• Communication strategies
• Transitioning to civilian life
• Crisis and support services

Whether you're navigating your own journey or supporting someone you love, you don’t have to do it alone.

Learn more and access resources anytime: https://namiillinois.org/support-and-education/mental-health-education/nami-homefront/

03/11/2026

Recognizing early warning signs and responding with care can play a critical role in mental health outcomes. NAMI’s How to Help a Friend resources provide practical guidance for identifying signs of distress, having supportive conversations, and connecting peers to appropriate help.

By offering these resources in English and Spanish, NAMI is working to make mental health education more accessible and inclusive for communities nationwide.

03/10/2026

On April 15, NAMI Illinois will be in Springfield for our Annual Advocacy Day.

Throughout the day, we will meet with legislators to advance NAMI priorities and advocate for legislation impacting individuals and families affected by mental health conditions across Illinois.

That evening, we will gather for a community fundraiser at Papi’s Pizza Pub. A portion of food sales will support NAMI Illinois’ work in mental health education, advocacy, and community-based care.

🔗 Sign Up for NAMI Illinois Advocacy Day
https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=-i4MiZ6aBk-YawvVZu_MvptHlaZhHUVAisBVVppI6ZVURTRKMEhVWEpTRjc1VzlWU09QOUFPTlo1Vy4u

Together, we can strengthen mental health advocacy across Illinois.

Papi's Pizza Pub

03/08/2026

03/05/2026

Your story has power — and we want to help you use it.

NAMI Smarts for Advocacy is a hands-on training that helps people living with mental illness, along with friends and family members, turn passion into action.

We recently offered this training to our NAMI On Campus members and will host another session before heading to the Capitol in April for Advocacy Day. Those trained will be invited to speak directly with legislators about why mental health matters.

Together, we are raising youth voices and building stronger advocates across Illinois.

Learn more: https://namiillinois.org/support-and-education/presentations/nami-smarts-for-advocacy/

03/05/2026

Feeling supported can make a powerful difference in a young person’s mental health. That’s why NAMI created Finding a Trusted Adult and Adulto de Confianza — resources designed to help youth identify safe adults they can turn to, and to help families foster open, supportive conversations about mental health.

Available in both English and Spanish, these tools reinforce the importance of connection, trust, and community in supporting youth wellbeing.

Explore the resources:
https://www.nami.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/BTS-Finding-a-Trusted-Adult.pdf

https://www.nami.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Trusted-Adult_Spanish_FA.pdf

03/03/2026

The decisions made by elected officials shape the mental health services and supports available in your community every day.

From local policies to funding decisions to criminal justice responses, leadership at every level plays a role in how people living with mental health conditions are supported.

Your vote is powerful.. When you head to the polls, you are influencing the future of mental health care in your city, county, and state.

Learn about your vote’s impact on mental health and how to engage candidates here: https://vote4mentalhealth.org/engaging-candidates/

03/03/2026

Reminder: Primary Elections are coming up in March.

From healthcare to the economy and beyond, mental health touches many of the issues you might care about most.

Whenever you cast your ballot, you whether you realize it or not.

Every elected official, from local leaders to Congress, has influence over policies that impact people living with mental health conditions. Your vote matters, and your voice does too.

Make a plan to vote here: https://vote4mentalhealth.org/plan/

03/02/2026

We were honored to join NAMI of McHenry County for their Open House and Ribbon Cutting.

We toured their beautiful new Living Room, Drop-In Center, and office space, welcoming environments that expand access to compassionate, community-based support.

Proud to celebrate this milestone alongside their team.

Representing NAMI Illinois
Sara Gray, Executive Director
Ashley Warren, Executive Director of Programs
Luisa Cicero, Affiliate and Statewide Programs Manager

03/02/2026

03/02/2026

This month, we recognize Self-Harm Awareness Month.

Self-harm can be a sign that someone is struggling with intense emotional pain.

Talking openly and compassionately about it helps break stigma and create space for healing.

If you or someone you love needs support, help is available 24/7.

📞 Call or text 988 to reach the Su***de & Crisis Lifeline.

Or check out resources for those experiencing an emergency below:
https://namiillinois.org/resources/mhcrisissupportresources/

#988

03/02/2026

Join NAMI Illinois and the Artesian Collective virtually on March 17 & 24 from 6:00–7:30 PM for an open, welcoming space to talk about mental health in South Asian communities. Together, we’ll explore how and when to seek support, reduce stigma, and care for ourselves and our loved ones with compassion and cultural understanding.

Chai & Chat is designed for individuals with heritage from Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives.

Register at www.artesiancollaborative.com/events