On Friday, September 20, 2024, NAMI Greater Los Angeles County (NAMI GLAC) successfully completed its re-affiliation process, marking a significant milestone in its mission to support individuals and families affected by mental illness. This accomplishment establishes a new, streamlined governance structure that integrates five former NAMI affiliates—NAMI GLAC (which includes NAMI Long Beach/Whittier), NAMI Glendale, NAMI Pomona Valley, NAMI San Fernando Valley, NAMI San Gabriel Valley, and NAMI South Bay—as chapters under one unified entity.

The five chapters will operate within the NAMI Alliance as Model B affiliates under the governance of NAMI GLAC. This new structure enhances the delivery of NAMI’s signature programs, services, and advocacy efforts across most of Los Angeles County – including the Long Beach area – providing a unified and efficient framework to serve better the unique needs of communities in this metropolitan area. By consolidating the efforts of these local affiliates, NAMI GLAC is poised to offer a stronger, more cohesive network of support for those impacted by mental health conditions.

NAMI Greater Los Angeles County remains dedicated to its mission of building better lives for the millions affected by mental illness, and this new chapter-based approach is a testament to that ongoing commitment.

LA Mayor Karen Bass stepped onto the stage at the 20th Anniversary NAMIWalks Mental Health Fest and gave an emphatic speech supporting mental health awareness and stated NAMI as “the secret weapon” against stigma and despair among family members and peers working to manage their mental health.

View her enthusiasm for mental health awareness by viewing the video below.

Who Can Participate?

• Youth Aged 18-25: If you’ve navigated the labyrinth of mental health challenges and are in recovery, this program is your platform.
• Family Members/Caregivers: If you support young individuals (up to age 25) facing mental health and substance use conditions, join us.

What Awaits You?

During your journey, NAMI GLAC will provide you with personalized, ongoing support, including:

• An Individual Career Plan (ICP) prior to the training
• Career counseling after the training completion (resume-building, interview preparation, work readiness, etc.)
• Help with placement in a volunteer or paid position within the Public Mental Health System (PMHS)
• Ongoing, individualized support throughout the entire process
• As a certified Youth/TAY Peer Support Specialist, you’ll uplift lives and break stigma. Reach out to us and embark on this rewarding journey.

Reach out to us today to begin your journey.

Thank You!

We’re thrilled to announce that the 2024 NAMIWalks Greater LA County Mental Health Fest was an incredible success!

But our journey doesn’t end here. For the next 60 days, we invite you to continue making an impact:

• Donate: Your contribution fuels our mission. Every dollar counts.
• Spread the Word: Share your experience, encourage others to donate, and amplify our cause.
• Be the Change: Let’s keep mental health conversations alive and thriving.

Together, We Can: Let’s ensure that mental health remains a priority. Thank you for being part of this movement!

On Sunday, March 17- 16 runners ran on behalf of Team NAMI in the LA Marathon and Charity Half Marathon. They raised awareness about NAMI, helped to reduce stigma around mental health and raised $20,000 so that families and individuals living with a mental health condition can continue to have free programs, classes and workshops that will offer a community of support and love.

Registration for 2025 will begin soon. If interested in joining 2025 Team NAMI please reach out to Ligaya Sevilla at [email protected].

NAMI California celebrates the passage of Proposition 1, a victory for all who champion mental health support and services.

According to CalMatters, Proposition 1 is:

[a] two-pronged measure [that] would fund a $6.4 billion bond to drastically expand the state’s mental health and substance abuse treatment infrastructure. A majority of the money, $4.4 billion, would be used to build 10,000 in-patient and residential treatment beds across the state. The remainder would fund permanent supportive housing with half set aside for veterans with mental illness or addiction disorders.

 

The second part of the measure would require counties to change the way they spend existing mental health dollars by directing them to prioritize housing for people who are chronically homeless.

NAMI California lists these six benefits of Proposition 1:

1. Makes necessary updates to the MHSA, providing funding for services and resources to those living with the most severe mental illness.
2. Enhances state oversight of counties, guaranteeing they are accountable for investments generated through the bond and that voter approval is required for any future amendments.
3. Cements critical resources within the legislative framework to ensure the original MHSA intent remains intact, including funding prioritized for outreach and engagement and stigma reduction and prevention.
4. Increases funding in the Behavioral Health Supports and Services funding bucket, while also funding supportive services such as family engagement and psychoeducation.
5. Provides additional resources for housing, including both community and acute care settings, which address the unique challenges faced by veterans grappling with behavioral health issues.
6. Significantly increases treatment beds, providing funding for 11,000 behavioral health beds and 27,000 outpatient beds to meet the needs of those experiencing severe mental illness.

On February 22nd, 2024, NAMI Greater Los Angeles County hosted a Town Hall touching on the value of Proposition 1 to Californians living with mental health conditions, especially those who are unhoused and with untreated mental health issues.

Daley Strategies sponsored the event, which was hosted by their own Trevor Daley. Impassioned calls for votes and support for Prop 1 were made by our own NAMI GLAC Executive Director Traute Winters, LA County Sheriff Robert Luna, Supervisor Janice Hanh, and Mayor of Sacramento, CA, Darrell Steinberg.

Other Information

• NAMI California Proposition 1 Fact Sheet
• NAMI California Proposition 1 Toolkit
• NAMI California’s Proposition 1 Landing Page