NAMI Northeast Essex Affiliate

07/09/2025

Youth Mental Health First Aid teaches you how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges among children and adolescent ages 12-18.

This training covers common signs and symptoms of mental health challenges within this age group, common signs and symptoms of substance use challenges, and how to interact with a child or adolescent in crisis.

This training can be delivered in a 6.5 hour, instructor led sessions, or in a blended in-person and remote format.

Youth Mental Health First Aid is great for:

Teachers
School Staff
Coaches
Camp Counselors
Youth Group Leaders
Parents
Adults who Work with Young Adults

To find a course or contact a Mental Health First Aid Instructor in your area visit MHFA.org or email Hello@MentalHealthFirstAid.org

06/28/2025

We're wrapping up our celebration of the NAMIWalks Massachusetts T-Shirt Contest winners by spotlighting our Most Fun team: Employment Options Clubhouse!

They selected the Witchy Weekend prize basket—featuring passes to the Witch Dungeon Museum, the Witch History Museum, the Peabody Essex Museum, the Salem Witch Museum, a two-night stay at the Hawthorne Hotel, a gift card to the Cheese Shop, and NAMI swag!

Thank you to all the organizations and businesses from the Salem area that provided these awesome prizes– your support is essential in helping us make NAMIWalks Massachusetts such a blast!

Help support Mental Health for All—donations for NAMIWalks Massachusetts are open through July 19th!

👉 Donate here: https://www.namiwalks.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.event&eventID=1823

05/24/2025

On May 8th, the Senate Ways and Means Committee released its budget proposal, which included important steps forward for mental health services. We’re grateful for this progress — and with your continued advocacy, we can ensure the final budget fully meets the needs of our communities

We are asking our community to take action by sending a pre-written email to your state senator, urging them to support five key mental health amendments. To email your senator and read more about these amendments, visit: https://namimass.quorum.us/campaign/124599/

Your voice matters deeply, and we’re truly grateful for your continued support and advocacy.

05/03/2025

NAMI is deeply alarmed following the release of the administration's funding proposal for Fiscal Year 2026, which seeks unprecedented and drastic funding cuts across the federal government. While the proposal is high-level without specifics on all programs that may be impacted, the extent of possible cuts could be devastating for people with mental illness.

Read our full statement: https://www.nami.org/press-releases/nami-statement-on-proposed-federal-funding-cuts-for-fy-2026/

05/03/2025

04/21/2025

📢 This week! Don’t miss NAMI’s Virtual Town Hall:
“Why is Medicaid Important and What’s at Risk?”

➡️ Medicaid is more than a program — it’s vital mental health care for millions.
➡️ 40% of non-elderly adults on Medicaid live with a mental health condition or substance use disorder.
➡️ Changes in Congress could affect access for those who need it most.

🗓️ April 22 | ⏰ 3–4:30 PM ET
✅ Register today and submit your questions for our expert speakers: https://bit.ly/4iH3Zgt

03/24/2025

NAMIWalks Massachusetts 2025
Saturday, May 17th, 2025
Boston Common
Join NAMIWalks Massachusetts for our 22nd annual event! This is our largest event and biggest fundraiser, bringing together people of all ages to combat discrimination, raise funds, and promote awareness of mental health conditions. NAMI Walks helps us fund free peer support and educational programs for individuals living with mental health conditions.

02/19/2025

On February 23, NAMI will be celebrating HelpLines Awareness Day, a day to to highlight the invaluable work of helplines—services that are life-changing for many.

Follow our channels as we showcase videos, images, and information about the NAMI HelpLine and how it has helped millions with support and resources in their mental health journey.

02/19/2025

nami.org

11/15/2024

“In Massachusetts, the state attorney general investigated alleged efforts by insurers to restrict their customers’ mental health benefits. The insurers agreed to audit their mental health provider listings but were largely allowed to police themselves. Insurance regulators have not fined the companies for their errors.”

State agencies say they’re holding insurers accountable for errors in provider directories. But ProPublica found that the actual actions taken so far do not match the regulators’ rhetoric.

10/01/2024

YOU ARE NOT ALONE FOR PARENTS AND CAREGIVERS is a must-have resource for anyone navigating the challenges of caring for a young person with mental health struggles. Get support and guidance from experts and real families who've been there.

For more information and to order your copy:
https://www.nami.org/support-education/publications-reports/you-are-not-alone/you-are-not-alone-for-parents-and-caregivers/

10/01/2024

During MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS WEEK from October 6 – 12 and WORLD MENTAL HEALTH DAY on October 10, NAMI is highlighting our workplace mental health. Learn about NAMI StigmaFree, download key resources, and share on your social media.

October 6-12 is Mental Illness Awareness Week, and we're excited to celebrate! We'll also be honoring World Mental Health Day on October 10. This year, NAMI's highlighting My Mental Health at Work - check out our resources and download graphics to share!