NAMI Chicago

Last week, we held a special event to celebrate our faith-based leaders for their collaboration in designing a program at the intersection of 💚 mental health and faith. Special thanks to Latasha Brown, our Sr. Education and Engagement Specialist, and Casey Shearson, our Grants Manager, for leading this initiative. More to come! #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth

Dr. Lauren Smith, our Director of Education and Engagement, led a Fundamentals of Workplace Wellness Training for UNITE HERE Chicago Hospitality. This program recruits individuals from underserved communities and equips them with essential hospitality skills, helping them secure jobs in unionized culinary positions. We're proud to support the UHCHI apprentices. Learn more about our Workplace Wellness program here: ➡️ https://lnkd.in/enf8zN_9 #WorkplaceWellness #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth #MentalHealthMatters

It's budget season 📈 for us! Our Finance Committee stopped by the office to discuss our FY27 budget. And, the team is ready for a new fiscal year! 💪

We’re honored to be recognized as one of Chicago’s Best and Brightest Companies to Work For® in 2026🏆by the National Association for Business Resources. This award isn’t about a title—it’s about our people. We’re proud to strengthen the employee experience by developing a mission aligned people strategy, and even prouder of the culture we’ve built together. 🙌 Learn more here: ➡️ https://lnkd.in/gsU7Auqa #PeopleExperience #BestPlacesToWork #ChicagoBestandBrightest

Sec. Kennedy and MAHA are advancing the message that mental health has been “overmedicalized” with a detailed focus on overprescribing, the detrimental impacts and side-effects of antidepressants, specifically Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), and the need for more detailed guidelines for tapering off these medications. The plan emphasizes patient choice, holistic care, and reevaluating long-term medication use—but advocates and experts say the conversation must also address gaps in access, treatment options, and ongoing need to improve access to care and effective treatment. Hear what our Sr. Director of Policy, Jim Poole, had to say on this topic with WTTW/Chicago PBS, Chicago Tonight. "And I think our concern at NAMI Chicago is that this reinforces sort of a medication stigma that people might feel, that there's something shameful about using a mental health medication. And we know from our conversations every day, that's a really important tool for lots of folks in their recovery. And it's life changing, lifesaving for many of our neighbors."- Sr. Director of Policy, Jim Poole Learn more: ➡️ https://lnkd.in/gqssQ_3t

We are proud to be recognized as a 🌟 2026 Gold Star recipient of the Bell Seal for Workplace Mental Health by Mental Health America . The Bell Seal is the nation’s leading recognition for employers committed to creating mentally healthy workplaces. NAMI Chicago received an overall score of 👏 90%, including 100% in both Caring Beyond Compliance and Holistic Wellness at Work. These areas assess how employers foster inclusive and psychologically safe work environments, prioritize prevention and early intervention, promote awareness, support peer connection, and offer resources that support employees’ whole health. Read more: ➡️ https://lnkd.in/gsU7Auqa #BellSeal #WorkplaceMentalHealth #MentalHealthAtWork #EmployeeWellBeing

Support is something we don’t talk about enough. As we recognize Mental Health Awareness month, we want to share why getting support is so crucial. Suicide remains the second leading cause of death among youth ages 10-14 in the U.S. and the third leading cause among young people ages 15-24. A recent study published by JAMA highlighted an 11% decline in youth suicide deaths since the launch of the 988 Crisis Lifeline💚. The findings suggest that prevention efforts, open conversations, and access to support can not only make a difference but can also save lives. If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available.📱Call or text #988, available 24/7. Learn more about 988 here: https://lnkd.in/gatD2Z4Y #NAMIChicago #988 #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth #MentalHealthMatters

Watch Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, join NAMI Chicago, The Trevor Project, AIDS Foundation of Chicago, LGBTQ+ Victory Institute, Ald. Lamont J. Robinson, Channyn Lynne Parker of Equality Illinois, Nikki Patin, MFA of Brave Space Alliance, and other advocates and providers at today's press conference, calling for the restoration of specialized 💚 LGBTQ+ crisis services through the 📱988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, commonly accessed through the "Press 3" option. Watch it here: ➡️ https://lnkd.in/g84Pr2d8

Miles were walked, stories were shared, and stigma was left behind.💚💙 We started together and we finished together. Thank you to everyone who made #NAMIWalks 2026 unforgettable. Because of you, we've raised more than 🫂$250,000 to support our mental health services. It's more than a walk—it's a movement. If you missed it, 🎥 watch the recap and feel the impact. #NAMIWalksChicago #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth