NAMI Illinois

02/06/2026

Arriving in Peoria and taking a moment to pause together as the NAMI Illinois team soaking in the beauty of the river and the glow of the city at night.

These quiet moments matter. They ground us in why we travel, connect, and show up across the state: to listen, learn, and strengthen our work alongside communities and affiliates we care deeply about.

02/06/2026

Sara Gray, Executive Director of NAMI Illinois, and Tony Ohlhausen, Director of Research and Policy, recently visited Jason Farley, Interim Executive Director of NAMI Southwestern Illinois, in Wood River.

The visit was a meaningful opportunity to connect, listen, and learn more about the important, community-driven work happening across the region. NAMI Southwestern Illinois serves ten counties: Bond, Calhoun, Clinton, Jersey, Macoupin, Madison, Monroe, Montgomery, Randolph, and St. Clair providing vital support, education, and advocacy for mental health throughout southwestern Illinois.

Grateful for the leadership and partnership as we continue strengthening our state and local affiliate connections and working together to expand mental health support across Illinois.

02/06/2026

Such a lovely time in Peoria spending time with Kisha Woods, Board President, and Angella Lewis, Vice President of NAMI Tri-County Illinois.

As part of NAMI Illinois’ ongoing commitment to staying closely connected to affiliates across the state, it was truly energizing to hear about the meaningful work happening across Peoria, Tazewell, and Woodford counties.

Looking forward to coming together at the Capitol to advocate together.

02/05/2026

Congratulations to Ryan for being selected to serve on NAMI National's Next Gen Youth and Young Adult Advisory Board!
Ryan is a first-year student at UIC, a NAMI volunteer, mental health advocate, and is among those named to the 12-member national advisory group.
Thank you for being a voice for Illinois, a voice for mental health, and a leader of the next generation.

02/05/2026

February marks Black History Month, a time to reflect on the strength, creativity, and impact of Black individuals and communities throughout history.

At NAMI Illinois, we recognize that mental health equity is inseparable from racial justice. This month and always, we remain committed to breaking stigma, expanding access to care, and uplifting Black voices in mental health. 🤎

02/04/2026

Educators—supporting students’ mental health just got easier. 🌱
NAMI’s Mental Health College Guide, created in partnership with JED and developed by college students for college students, is a free online resource with tips, topics, and tools that strengthen mental health on campus.
Access it anytime at collegeguide.nami.org.

01/30/2026

👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

NAMI announces a $59 million gift from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott.

Our staff, affiliates, and community are extremely grateful for this remarkable gift.

This support will help strengthen our work and guide thoughtful, long-term impact, including the convening of a Blue Ribbon Committee to inform recommendations rooted in our mission and the needs of the communities we serve.

https://www.nami.org/press-releases/nami-announces-59-million-gift-from-philanthropist-mackenzie-scott/

01/30/2026

These are just some of the faces of in Illinois!!!!

We are deeply grateful for the Illinois NAMI Alliance that attented our NAMI Affiliate Brunch and the incredible individuals across the state who work tirelessly to support mental health, reduce stigma, and strengthen their communities.

Thank you, NAMI family, your impact matters and it’s felt every day 💚💙

01/30/2026

This morning, NAMI Illinois convened affiliates from across the state for a collaborative brunch focused on alignment, learning, and collective impact. 💙🤝

The conversation centered on what’s working, current challenges, and the exchange of best practices to strengthen our shared work. Creating intentional spaces for peer learning and honest dialogue is critical to sustaining effective, community-driven mental health advocacy. 💚

We are so grateful to our affiliates for their partnership, leadership, and dedication to the NAMI mission!

01/30/2026

NAMI’s Mental Health College Guide is a free online resource created in partnership with JED and developed by college students for college students.
It covers key topics, tips, and tools to support student mental health throughout the school year.
Browse the guide at collegeguide.nami.org.

01/29/2026

🫖 You’re invited to Chai & Chat, a free mental wellness series made by and for the South Asian community. We already got the party started with the first session virtually, but no problem if you couldn't attend.

Join us in person THIS SATURDAY (1/31/) from 11am-2pm CST for an open space to learn, educate, and have honest conversations about mental health within the South Asian diaspora.

Sessions 2 & 3 (In-person with lunch):
📅 January 31 | ⏰ 11 AM–2 PM CST
📍 930 National Parkway, Schaumburg, IL

All sessions are FREE and open to adults 18+ from South Asian backgrounds.
Register here: https://bit.ly/jan2026chaichat