National Alliance on Mental Illness

The Mission of National Alliance on Mental Illness: Working to improve the lives of those who are affected by mental illness and their families by providing a network of resources for mental healthcare and services available to those who suffer from a variety of mental illnesses.

NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness. What started as a small group of families gathered around a kitchen table in 1979 has blossomed into the nation's leading voice on mental health.

Today, they are an association of hundreds of local affiliates, state organizations and volunteers who work in the community to raise awareness and provide support and education that was not previously available to those in need. NAMI is the foundation for hundreds of NAMI State Organizations, NAMI Affiliates and volunteer leaders who work in local communities across the country to raise awareness and provide essential and free education, advocacy and support group programs.

NAMI is a 501(c)3 nonprofit membership organization governed by a board of directors elected by the membership. Five NAMI members nominated by Affiliates and State Organizations are elected to the NAMI Board of Directors each year. Additionally, members can submit bylaws amendments and resolutions to be considered each year during the elections at the annual Convention.