NAMI Minnesota

04/27/2026

Join NAMI Minnesota and NAMI Ramsey County for a special screening of this powerful documentary, inspired by Ron Powers' acclaimed book. Narrated by Bob Odenkirk with original music by Jeff Tweedy of Wilco, the film offers a deeply personal look at severe mental illnesses and the growing movement for change. The event will take place on Monday, May 18, at The Parkway Theater. Doors open at 6 pm, and the screening begins at 7 pm. A live Q&A will follow the 96-minute film. Tickets are $12 in advance or $17 at the door. This event is for ages 18 and up. Whether you live with a mental illness, support someone who does, work in the field, or simply want to better understand the system, this evening offers a meaningful chance to learn, reflect, and connect with the community.

Get tickets: https://theparkwaytheater.com/all-events/nami-screening

04/26/2026

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and this year, NAMI Minnesota invites you to stand with us under a shared commitment: Stronger Together: Healing Begins in Community. Together, we are leading a sustained effort to support individuals living with mental illness or trauma, along with their families and communities, while working to end stigma and discrimination.

Healing is happening every day across Minnesota—and no one has to do it alone. Stronger Together: Healing Begins in Community. Join a free NAMI Minnesota class to build connections and find support. In-person and online options available—register today: https://namimn.org/education-and-public-awareness/calendar/

04/26/2026

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and NAMI Minnesota would like to highlight the special work happening across the state to support people living with mental illnesses and their families. We want to place a special focus on serious mental illness and the importance of early recognition and support. One in five adults experiences a mental illness each year, and many of these conditions are severe. Recognizing early warning signs and connecting people to care sooner can significantly improve treatment outcomes. Recovery is possible, and education and community support play a key role.

Find online and in-person classes and events for Mental Health Awareness Month and beyond, including classes in Spanish, here: https://namimn.org/education-and-public-awareness/calendar/

04/26/2026

Our May–August issue of Advocate is now available online, offering an early look at the stories, advocacy, and community efforts shaping mental health across Minnesota.

As we approach Mental Health Awareness Month in May, this edition highlights our theme, Stronger Together: Healing Begins in Community, and the urgent need to expand access to care, strengthen community-based services, and support individuals and families navigating mental health challenges.

Inside, you’ll find updates from the legislative session, insights on the evolving mental health landscape, and powerful stories of connection and recovery that reflect the impact of coming together in community.

Read and download the full newsletter on our website, and join us in raising awareness and building a stronger, more responsive mental health system for all.

https://namimn.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/48/2026/04/ADVOCATE-May-August-2026.pdf

04/25/2026

A new report from a consumer nonprofit warns that several Minnesota hospitals serving low-income and uninsured patients are facing a major threat that could force them to shut down, reduce services, including mental health care, or eliminate positions. Seven safety-net hospitals in Minnesota are at risk of shutting down, reducing services or laying off staff. The hospitals care for a larger share of low-income patients and others without insurance. The report, released by Public Citizen, calls the situation a ‘big ugly threat.

A new report from a consumer nonprofit warns that several Minnesota hospitals serving low-income and uninsured patients are facing a major threat that could force them to shut down, reduce services or eliminate positions.

04/25/2026

Living with bipolar disorder can be deeply disruptive and difficult. At the same time, some people say that during stable periods, certain traits linked to the condition — such as creativity, intensity, or drive — can also feel meaningful or useful. That does not erase the real risks. Rather, it reflects the complexity of living with bipolar and seeing yourself as more than a diagnosis.

Explore how bipolar disorder can foster strengths like creativity and empathy, helping you build resilience and live well with the condition.

04/25/2026

Do you know someone making a difference? NAMI Minnesota is now accepting nominations for the 2026 Awards, honoring individuals and organizations that improve mental health, combat discrimination against people living with a mental illness, raise awareness, and support families across the state.

Nominations are due by September 1, and winners will be recognized at NAMI Minnesota’s Annual Conference. For more information or to submit a nomination, contact namihelps@namimn.org.

04/24/2026

The Minnesota Department of Health is refining its prevention tactics as youth cannabis use in the state reaches new lows. State health officials are crediting a new model of layered outreach for a 57% drop in youth cannabis use over the last 12 years. The new data comes from a 2025 study that shows 96% of K through 12 students aren’t using it. NAMI Minnesota does not endorse ma*****na as a mental health treatment as it carries meaningful risks—particularly for people with existing mental health conditions—and should be approached carefully, in coordination with clinical care.

The Minnesota Department of Health is refining it's prevention tactics as youth cannabis use in the state reaches new lows. The 2025 Minnesota Student Survey shows that 96% of k-12 students are reporting they haven't used the substance. | 830 WCCO

04/24/2026

The Plymouth City Council hopes a new policy could help to keep kids away from ci******es. The council is moving ahead with a set of new to***co restrictions, including a ban on flavored to***co products. To***co use is disproportionately high among people living with mental illnesses, and addressing it is a critical part of whole-person recovery—not a secondary concern.

The Plymouth City Council is considering a ban on flavored to***co products, including vapes and menthol ci******es.

04/24/2026

When we hear the term caregiving, our imaginations conjure the image of a harried middle-aged adult juggling the chaos of a household — job, spouse, kids, packed social calendars — while caring for an elderly parent. But that describes nothing of journalist Lisa McCarty’s experience. Years ago, when she was just 13 years old, she became her mother’s caregiver.

Over 5.4 million child caregivers in the U.S. face rising rates of anxiety and depression as proposed Medicaid cuts threaten in-home support.

04/23/2026

The percentage of U.S. adults who report currently having or being treated for depression was 19.1% in the first quarter of 2026, similar to the high mark of 20.0% recorded the preceding quarter and up nearly nine percentage points since the initial measurement in 2015. The current rate of 19.1%, among the highest in Gallup’s trend, projects to an estimated 51 million Americans suffering from depression.

The percentage of U.S. adults who report currently having or being treated for depression is 19.1%, among the highest measures in Gallup's trend.

04/23/2026

One in three parents say their child ages 18 to 25 is minimally active or inactive, according to the University of Michigan Health C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital National Poll on Children’s Health. This is also not good for children's mental health. Parents point to several reasons their young adult children are not getting enough physical activity. The most common barriers include lack of time, lack of interest and screen time or gaming. Fewer parents cite cost, lack of a workout partner or health limitations.

National poll suggests young adults may fall short on physical activity after high school, with time, screen use and lack of interest as top barriers