Mental Health Help is Close and Free

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is the nation’s largest grassroots organization for people with mental illness and their families and includes national, state and local levels. NAMI Howard County is dedicated to improving the lives of individuals and families living with mental illness through education, advocacy and support, and to increase the awareness of mental illness throughout the community. Their many activities include public information, peer education and support, raising awareness, fighting stigma, and state and federal advocacy.

Some of the support programs offered locally by NAMI Howard County are for family and friends who care about an adult with a mental illness; parents and caregivers of children and teens with mental health issues; individuals living with serious mental illness; and Sunday suppers, a social opportunity for adults living with mental illness.

Education programs supported by NAMI include: In Our Own Voice: Living with Mental Illness; Family-to-Family Education Course; NAMI Basics Education Course; Peer-to-Peer Education Course; NAMI Howard County Educational Forums; and Parents & Teachers as Allies: Recognizing Early Onset Mental Illness in Children and Teens.

The remarkable thing about these services is that there is no charge for these program and they are open to anyone regardless of membership in NAMI. They also offer a mental health helpline. Additionally, NAMI Howard County also provides local information and referral services; conducts community education through presentations and by serving on local committees and boards; interacts with local professionals; works with local media on stories about mental illness; and reports on local issues and needs to their state organization.

To contact NAMI Howard County, call 410-772-9300 or visit www.nami.org/sites/namihowardcounty.