MEETINGS AND EVENTS- At these informative meetings, professionals present information and lead discussions on the latest developments in medicine, treatments, legislation, public policy, legal issues, estate planning, and other issues affecting people who live with mental illness. Past speakers have included commissioners, award-winning authors, distinguished physicians and researchers, lawyers, mental health professionals, provider agencies, family members and consumers. Click here to learn all about our upcoming events and their dates, times and locations.

SUPPORT GROUPS - NAMI-NYC Metro currently offers more than 20 different support groups, which meet weekly, bi-monthly, or monthly throughout New York City, to address the needs of consumers and family members. Our groups provide support, education, and practical knowledge in a warm and welcoming environment, and are facilitated by peer volunteers, either consumers or family members.

MEDIA AND ADVOCACY - This group brings together NAMI-NYC Metro members who are interested in monitoring media coverage of mental health/illness issues and becoming actively involved in discussion and implementation of NAMI-NYC Metro media and advocacy initiatives. The Media and Advocacy Group (MAG) meets the first Monday of each month (except holidays), but is always actively engaged in a variety of ongoing projects. (To join, contact Judith Carrington.)

LEGISLATIVE INITIATIVES - NAMI-NYC Metro organizes advocacy efforts on behalf of families and consumers. We are engaged in an ongoing dialogue with government officials and service providers to improve the quality of treatments and to provide a broader range of services. We provide professional testimony; sit on task forces, boards, and commissions; organize letter-writing campaigns and demonstrations; and collaborate with other advocacy organizations to advocate for more and better treatments and services. NAMI-NYC Metro monitors mental health policy and legislation on city, state, and national levels. Our advocacy campaigns have helped restore the monies that have been cut from the state budget for mental health. Among other initiatives, we are currently advocating for the passage of a "presumptive Medicaid eligibility" law, to ensure continuing insurance coverage and services for the mentally ill who are discharged from hospitals, jails, or prisons.

NEWSLETTER - NAMI-NYC Metro publishes the award-winning Reporter, a bi-monthly newsletter to keep members, mental health professionals, and the public informed about the latest developments in, treatment, medications, services, public policy, and legislation affecting the mentally ill. NAMI-NYC Metro members also receive the NAMI New York State and NAMI national newsletters. Let the editor know of stories you would like to suggest.

KENNETH JOHNSON MEMORIAL RESEARCH LIBRARY- Dedicated to education and research in neurobiological disorders, this resource library offers a unique and up-to-date selection of periodicals, newsletters, books, and videos. The Kenneth Johnson Memorial Library is open to the public during regular business hours (Monday-Friday 10:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m.; please call in advance of coming to ensure that the library is not reserved for a meeting).

OUTREACH - As family members and consumers of mental health services, NAMI-NYC Metro members know, as few others do, what is and is not working, and what services are needed. As part of NAMI-NYC Metro's effort to increase public understanding of the problems confronting people with mental illnesses, NAMI-NYC Metro staff and volunteers (including family members and consumers) speak to groups about mental illnesses at schools, hospitals, grand rounds, mental health agencies, professional programs (e.g., social work, medical, and nursing schools), and community organizations. NAMI-NYC Metro also provides the media with experts, family members, and consumers to speak or be interviewed on issues affecting the mentally ill in New York City and nationwide. In addition, we sponsor information booths and distribute literature at relevant meetings and conferences.

TRIBUTE FUNDS - Money donated to our tribute funds are used to educate the public on neurobiological disorders and provide advocacy for people with mental illnesses and their families. NAMI-NYC Metro acknowledges all donations to the Tribute Fund, which makes it an appropriate way to mark a special occasion or make a donation in someone's memory. You now have the option to make a Tribute Fund donation on-line. Please visit our donation page to learn how.

CABLE TELEVISION PROGRAM - Mental Health Update

WEB SITE - NAMI-NYC Metro's website provides information on neurobiological disorders, treatments, services, and other issues related to mental illness, as well as referrals and links to other mental health resources and agencies. We also provide up-to-date information on our meetings, support groups, and other services and events. You may also join NAMI-NYC Metro.

EVENTS LINE - Call (212) 684-4237 for a recorded message of upcoming events and other current information.