NAMI North Carolina
In March 1984 the first NC Alliance for Mental Illness’ statewide conference was held. At this time, there was no case management, no housing, no clubhouses, no supported employment. But the Alliance had a vision, a belief in themselves, and a commitment to making North Carolina better for themselves and their loved ones. Voted to incorporate, adopted bylaws, l48 members, 7 affiliates (Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, Greensboro, Winston Salem, Salisbury, Cabarrus), established goals. Elaine Purpel (Greensboro) was elected the first President. Today, NAMI North Carolina has 24 Affiliates across the state, providing an array of education classes, support groups, presentations, and awareness events at no charge to those we serve.
NAMI NC provides mental health advocacy, education, support, and public awareness so that all individuals and families can build better lives. We envision a community where all people affected by mental health conditions can live healthy and fulfilling lives.
NAMI NC serves the needs of those living with mental illness and their families in North Carolina by providing education, support, and referral services. Our peer support services are especially critical to our mission: People who have personally experienced living well with mental illness provide insight and practical coping strategies for those seeking to begin, maintain, or support recovery. For instance, we offer NAMI Peer-to-Peer, a free, eight-session educational program for adults with mental health conditions taught by trained leaders with lived experience; among other things, participants learn to set a vision and goals for the future, partner with health care providers and learn about mental health treatment options, develop confidence for making decisions, and enhance communication skills. We also offer cost-free, peer-led support groups, both for people with mental health conditions and family members, where participants can find knowledge, comfort, and hope in their powerful shared experiences. NAMI Signature programs include Connection Recovery Support Group, Family Support Group, Family-to-Family, Peer-to-Peer, Basics, Homefront, Provider, Smarts for Advocacy, In Our Own Voice, Ending the Silence, Bridges to Hope, and more.