NAMI Mid-Hudson

02/20/2026

On Friday, February 13th 2026 High School students in Beacon, NY heard Makayla speak about her mental health positive coping strategies, including live music—one of the many rich resources readily available in this creative hub of The Hudson Valley.

Ms. Mills classroom is a wonderful environment for learning, she asks questions from outside the norms of everyday life, designed to elicit deep-thinking:
(See photos)
-How does one cultivate an independent mind?
-Can you protect yourself from envy?
-Who should you trust with sensitive topics (like mental health)?
-What does true self-awareness & self-reliance look like?
-Why is kindness more powerful than brute force?

We appreciated visiting Beacon and engaging over 100 teenagers in an open discussion about mental health!

02/15/2026

Mental health is health. And advancing culturally responsive care is not a moment — it is ongoing work.

As Maya Angelou’s words remind us, growth begins with awareness. When we know better, we do better — together. 🖤

02/12/2026

On Wed., Feb 4, 2026
NAMI Mid-Hudson presented Ending the Silence to Marist Liberty Partnership Mentors and Interns at Marist College.

The interns, most of whom are planning to enter the mental health field, shared thoughts on how they reach the younger public school students they tutor through LPP—one intern mentioned the importance of finding the ROOT CAUSE of problems and challenges students face.

During the ETS presentation, meditation is highlighted as an extremely effective coping strategy for ones mental health and maintaining wellness.

The feedback we received was overwhelmingly positive. Many students  shared how helpful, impactful and inspiring they found the presentation.

We wish the best for all the hardworking Interns at LPP, and are glad you were inspired to continue help the Poughkeepsie school students you tutor to excel!

coincidence libertypartnershipprogram

01/19/2026

After an Ending the Silence presentation at Spackenkill High School, NAMI Mid-Hudson Program Coordinator, Rob contemplates a motivational saying painted on the stairs which says:
“Believe You Can and You Are Halfway There”

Self-awareness and introspection are two skills he encourages students to practice in order to develop confidence—an essential ingredient in a healthy mind.

John Aagaard invited
NAMI Mid-Hudson to speak about mental health and su***de prevention in his Health classes. Mr. Aagaard’s strong presence and easygoing demeanor make him a student-favorite and go-to Trusted Adult for local teens.

Spackenkill is known for its athletic programs. Trophies and championship plaques line the hallways, reminding everyone of past glories & inspiring future victories. A significant percentage of students mentioned how sports are a positive coping strategy and play a huge role in their stability and mental wellness.

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introspection trophy sportsformentalhealth

01/12/2026

On Thursday, January 8th 2026
Young Adult Presenter, Grace shares strategies from her mental health ‘tool box’ with students at Marlboro High School. Strategies shared by Ending The Silence (ETS) speakers are based in practices that benefit their personal well-being.

Meghan Vigeant, a Social Worker at Marlboro, visited classes for the presentations and noticed how engaged and respectful the students were—their mental activity was stimulated!

Each attendee of ETS receives a quality bracelet with 988 and NAMI Mid-Hudson’s website engraved in the green silicone. 988 is the 24/7 number to call if someone has questions or concerns about their own mental health, are worried about someone they know, or (and especially) in case of a mental health emergency. Students leave the presentation understanding exactly what 988 is and exit wearing a visual reminder on their wrist.

Some teachers at Marlboro enjoy observing birds down on the banks of the Hudson River. During winter
Bald Eagles fly above the water, show off to one another, and take advantage of ice floes in order to complete a complex mating dance.

Birding is a powerful way to strengthen mental health and achieve balance, particularly in those who have a strong affinity with Nature.

01/01/2026

12/24/2025

As we welcome winter, we’re reminded of the quiet ways love and connection carry us through the season. May this month bring moments of peace, warmth, and gentle joy to everyone across Dutchess & Ulster Counties.

From all of us at NAMI Mid-Hudson, we are grateful for this community and the love you continue to share. 💚

12/07/2025

NAMI Mid-Hudson presented to 19 Police Academy Recruits on Friday, November 21st 2025 at the Dutchess County Sheriffs Office at the Crisis Intervention Team Training on resource day. The purpose of Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training is to improve how law enforcement and other first responders handle crises involving individuals with mental health conditions, substance use disorders, or other behavioral health issues. The training aims to ensure officer and community safety by teaching de-escalation techniques and fostering empathy, with the goal of connecting individuals with the appropriate services rather than the criminal justice system.

Picture left to right
Kristin Parise, Clinical Program Director DCDMH
Dawn Anemoles, Crisis Intervention Training Coordinator
Jo Ann Brown, NAMI Mid-Hudson Executive Director
Dan Roman and Dawn Kosilla

11/27/2025

This Thanksgiving, we are holding gratitude for our community.

For the families, the volunteers, the youth, and the partners who walk beside us — thank you. 🧡

May your day be filled with peace, connection, and hope.

With love and gratitude,
Your Friends at NAMI Mid-Hudson

11/27/2025

Sometimes it’s hard to tell if our friends are feeling down or if there’s a deeper struggle. There are ten common warning signs that students should know. Use this resource to help students learn the warning signs and understand the next steps they could take to help a friend.

11/20/2025

"Since 2011, the National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health (NOSORH) has set aside the third Thursday of November to celebrate the "Power of Rural" on National Rural Health Day (NRHD). This day is an opportunity to bring attention to and honor the incredible efforts of rural healthcare providers, communities, organizations, State Offices of Rural Health, and other stakeholders dedicated to addressing the unique healthcare needs of rural America." - https://powerofrural.org/

11/11/2025

NAMI Mid-Hudson is thrilled to welcome Grace as a Young Adult Presenter with NAMI Mid-Hudson’s Ending the Silence program! On October 7th and 8th 2025 our team joined Noelee Randolph’s health classes at Highland High School to share powerful stories and spark meaningful conversations around mental health.