National Alliance On Mental Illness Research Articles

Groups mark Floyd anniversary with call for equitable practices

On the one‐year anniversary marking the tragic death of George Floyd, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and the American Psychiatric Association (APA) released statements calling for change and committing themselves to equitable practices and highlighting specific actions they have taken to address disparities.

NAMI calls on Biden administration for mental health support

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) on Jan. 20 released a statement congratulating President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris on their inauguration. The organization said it looks forward to working with President Biden and his administration to find solutions that help everyone get the help they need.

NAMI goes virtual, addresses ‘epidemic within the pandemic’

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) has, like other organizations, had to contend with a lot regarding COVID‐19 and the delivery of its educational programming, according to its CEO. “People fail to realize that we have an epidemic within the pandemic,” Daniel H. Gillison Jr. told MHW. A “ripple of mental health issues” has been exacerbated. Racial trauma and economic issues have created fear and uncertainty, he said.

NAMI brief highlights important protections, benefits of ACA

As the Supreme Court heard oral arguments last week in California v. Texas, the case that will decide if the Affordable Care Act (ACA) is unconstitutional, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) released an issue brief outlining the protections and benefits of the ACA for people with mental health conditions.

NAMI, community partners supporting frontline workers

Recognizing the added stresses encountered by frontline professionals during this pandemic, while observing World Mental Health Day on Oct. 10, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), along with various community and public health partners, launched an initiative to support those frontline professionals with both their immediate and future health needs.

NAMI, KIND to ask medical boards to reassess MH questions

State licensing boards around the country continue to ask overly intrusive questions regarding the psychiatric history of physician applicants, serving to not only perpetuate the stigmatization of mental illness among the profession but also to discourage physician applicants from seeking critical mental health services, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and KIND Healthy Snacks.

Pilot Study of the National Alliance on Mental Illness Peer-to-Peer Program with a Predominantly Latinx Sample

ABSTRACT: Participation in peer support has been found to benefit individuals living with mental illness and improve behavioral health outcomes. There is limited research documenting the efficacy of peer support programs for individuals who identify as Hispanic/Latinx. This pilot study sought to provide a preliminary assessment of benefit of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Peer-to-Peer program with regard to recovery-oriented outcomes among people living at the U.S.-Mexico border who are managing mental illness. Pilot findings suggest that the program may produce a reduction in the hurt caused by self-stigma as well as improvement in empowerment and recovery (including goal and success orientation and willingness to ask for help). Overall, the NAMI Peer-to-Peer program shows potential for improving recovery-oriented outcomes among people living with mental illness, and there are implications for the use of NAMI Peer-to-Peer program as a complement to services received within the professional mental health system.

LeRoy Spaniol, PhD, 1938-2020.

Presents the obituary of LeRoy Spaniol, PhD (1938-2020). LeRoy was a professor at Boston University for 31 years and a cofounder and senior director at the Center for Psychiatric Rehabilitation from 1974 until his retirement. Leroy's dedication to service began early in his life as a seminarian, followed by his work as a therapist helping people heal from divorce and serious mental illness. LeRoy's nationally and internationally cited research and prolific publications focused on the role of the family in psychiatric rehabilitation, effectively serving homeless individuals, competency-based staff training, program evaluation, and coping and recovery from serious mental illnesses. LeRoy's research and authorship of training curricula that emphasized the importance of recovery "as a possibility and even an expectation and key paradigm shift for our field" is a hallmark of his work. To that end, one of LeRoy's proudest accomplishments was founding and teaching in the Recovery Education Center, a rehabilitation program for people with psychiatric disabilities at the Center for Psychiatric Rehabilitation at Boston University. LeRoy participated on many national and regional boards of directors and commissions, and research review committees and was a founding member of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) of Massachusetts in 1982. His work with families continued in his retirement, serving as president of NAMI of Cape Cod for 8 years. The awards and distinctions that LeRoy received throughout his career are numerous, and of key importance to him was the LeRoy Spaniol Educator Award established by the Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association (PRA). This award is presented to an individual who has made outstanding contributions toward educating and mentoring a new generation of leaders. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).

Composer and Broadway Pianist Invites Listeners ‘Inside His Head’

Composer and Broadway Pianist Invites Listeners ‘Inside His Head’

NAMI releases Spanish‐language COVID‐19 resource guide

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) has released its Spanish‐language COVID‐19 mental health resources guide, NAMI COVID‐19 Información y Recursos. The guide features a variety of topics related to mental health and COVID‐19, including managing anxiety, finding online communities and accessing affordable services. “It is more important than ever that everyone can access vital information to help keep themselves and their loved ones safe and healthy,” said NAMI CEO Daniel H. Gillison Jr. “We hope by providing this resource in Spanish, we will help reduce barriers and increase access to needed mental health services in order to advance NAMI's mission of helping all people affected by mental illness build better lives.” NAMI has partnered with Hispanics in Philanthropy to reach the extensive network of agencies they fund to help staff share this easy‐to‐use resource to better inform and help members of the diverse Latinx communities in the United States. For more information, visit https://www.nami.org/Support‐Education/NAMI‐HelpLine/COVID‐19‐Information‐and‐Resources/.

NAMI partners with Instagram on new Netflix series on MH

Netflix last month announced the launch of a new series on Instagram with a focus on consumers taking care of themselves and their mental health during the COVID‐19 global pandemic. In particular, the series targets the needs of young people and the challenges they may be facing during this health crisis. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) has joined in this effort.

APA Condemns Use of Therapy Records in Immigration Cases

APA Condemns Use of Therapy Records in Immigration Cases

NAMI announces Daniel H. Gillison Jr. as new CEO

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) announced Dec. 18 the appointment of Daniel H. Gillison Jr. as CEO effective Jan. 21, 2020. Gillison comes to NAMI after the last seven years in nonprofit leadership, first with the National Association of Counties (NACo) and most recently as the head of the American Psychiatric Association Foundation (APAF). As executive director of the APAF, Gillison has been responsible for strategic planning, personnel management, board communications, oversight of the APAF's public education programs and outreach, and formulating strategic alliances and partnerships to further the APAF's mission. Prior to the APAF, Gillison led County Solutions and Innovation for NACo, where he was instrumental in repositioning the organization's programs to provide expertise in health and human services, justice and public safety. Angela Kimball has been serving as acting CEO for NAMI.

Mental Illness Is Not Anyone’s Fault: A Review of NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) was established in 1979 and has since grown into a national foundation supporting both online and physical resources for those with mental disorders and/or their families, friends, and caregivers. NAMI.org, their website, houses a multitude of information, resources, community support, and crisis contact outlets and is a highly reliable source for anyone who would use it. Through their website alone they accomplish their four goals to educate, advocate, listen, and lead. NAMI offers support, guidance, and educational materials and opportunities, a safe space for voices to be heard, and a point of contact to the outside world when users may not know where to look or even start. It is an excellent resource and is highly recommended as a consumer health website for mental disorders and mental illness.

Student Pharmacists Bridging the Gap with Community Partnerships: Purdue University College of Psychiatric and Neurologic Pharmacists Chapter

The CPNP Purdue chapter is a student organization that strives to advance mental health awareness and education, reduce stigma, and volunteer in the local community. CPNP Purdue is strengthened by collaboration with partner organizations, including the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and Home with Hope, a Lafayette-based recovery housing center. NAMI advocates for effective treatment and education for families affected by mental illness in the surrounding community. Home with Hope provides a continuum of care and environment conducive to recovery following treatment for substance use disorders. These nonprofit partnerships rely heavily upon volunteers, donations, and advocates to provide services and support.

Proposition 63 champion Rusty Selix dies

Rusty Selix, co‐author and champion of California's landmark ballot measure, the Mental Health Services Act, also known as Proposition 63, passed away on Aug. 29 following a three‐year battle with ALS. He was 68. Selix was an advocate, policy consultant and longtime leader of the California Council of Community Behavioral Health Agencies. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) California wrote a tribute on its website, saying, “His commitment to advocate for the underserved was inspiring to so many of us in the field.” “He was a genius, solid rock and fierce advocate for mental health issues, families and individuals,” said NAMI California CEO Jessica Cruz. “His wisdom will continue, and his legacy will never be forgotten.” Selix was an important source for Mental Health Weekly, particularly on stories related to Proposition 63.

In Case You Haven't Heard…

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) on Oct. 2 announced the release of a free online education course, NAMI Basics OnDemand. The new class format is an adaptation of the in‐person NAMI Basics, a free, six‐session education program for parents, caregivers and other family who provide care for youth aged 22 or younger who are experiencing mental health symptoms. “We hope by providing this free, online course of NAMI Basics OnDemand we'll reach more people when and where it's easiest for them to access this vital information,” said NAMI Acting CEO Angela Kimball. “We want parents to get the resources they need and to realize they are not alone.” The program is divided into six sessions: basic elements of coping with mental health conditions, brain biology and getting a diagnosis, communication skills and crisis preparation, treatment and connecting with others by sharing your story, navigating the mental health and education systems, and self‐care and advocacy.

E. Fuller Torrey, M.D., Longtime Fierce Advocate for People With SMI, to Deliver IPS Keynote

Back to table of contents Previous article Next article Institute on Psychiatric ServicesFull AccessE. Fuller Torrey, M.D., Longtime Fierce Advocate for People With SMI, to Deliver IPS KeynoteMark MoranMark MoranSearch for more papers by this authorPublished Online:30 Aug 2019https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.pn.2019.9a32AbstractE. Fuller Torrey, M.D., this year’s IPS keynote speaker, has for decades been a fierce advocate for patients with schizophrenia and other serious mental illnesses (SMI) in the public sector.E. Fuller Torrey, M.D., founder of the Treatment Advocacy Center in Washington, D.C., and associate director for research at the Stanley Medical Research Institute, will deliver the keynote address at this year’s IPS: The Mental Health Services Conference in New York.E. Fuller Torrey, M.D., is known for his tenacity. Former APA Trustee Roger Peele, M.D., observed, “When public agency chiefs heard he was due to be on national TV, they ran to their bunkers.”Torrey, who is also a professor of psychiatry at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, has for decades been a fierce advocate for the seriously mentally ill in the public sector.From 1976 to 1985, Torrey was on the clinical staff of St. Elizabeths Hospital in Washington, D.C., where he specialized in the treatment of people with severe psychiatric disorders. From 1988 to 1992, Torrey directed a study of identical twins with schizophrenia and severe bipolar disorder. His work at the Stanley Medical Research Institute includes participating in ongoing collaborative research on viruses and other infectious agents as a cause of these diseases.Torrey received a 2014 Special Presidential Commendation from APA. He has also received two Commendation Medals from the U.S. Public Health Service, a 1984 Special Families Award from the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), and a 2005 tribute included in NAMI’s 25th Anniversary Celebratory Donor Wall.In a 2007 Psychiatric News profile, past APA Trustee Roger Peele, M.D., said of Torrey, “Fuller gets as much credit as anyone for moving American psychiatry from a psychoanalytic foundation to a biological one. His provocative books … contributed to a focus on the biological. He is combative—when public agency chiefs heard he was due to be on national TV, they ran to their bunkers—and he has used pithy public pronouncements to hammer home the need for public research monies to be devoted to a biological understanding of people with the most disabling of psychiatric illnesses.”It was Peele who, as chair of the Department of Psychiatry at St. Elizabeths, hired Torrey as a staff psychiatrist in 1977.In comments to Psychiatric News, Torrey said he planned to use his keynote address to look at the history of treatment of patients with serious mental illness in the public sector and how that history has shaped many of the challenges and problems today.“My talk will review the mistakes we made in the 1960s when we set up the rules for deinstitutionalization and the community mental health centers,” Torrey said. “It ties these mistakes directly to the problems we have today in the public mental health sector. It is based on a premise that we can’t really solve the problems unless we can understand their origins.” ■E. Fuller Torrey, M.D., will deliver the Opening Session address on Thursday, October 3, from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the New York Ballroom, Third Floor, of the Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel. ISSUES NewArchived

Effectiveness of the NAMI Homefront Program for Military and Veteran Families: In-Person and Online Benefits.

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of Homefront, a six-session, peer-taught family education program by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), delivered in person or online, for families or support persons of military service members or of veterans with mental illness. Program participants completed online surveys at baseline, at the end of the program (postprogram), and at 3-month follow-up, which measured subjective empowerment, burden, coping, psychological distress, family functioning, experience of caregiving, and knowledge of mental illness. A mixed-effects model examined change over time. A total of 119 individuals (in person, N=63 [53%]; online, N=56 [47%]) enrolled. Participants showed statistically significant improvement on all dimensions between baseline, postprogram, and follow-up, except for subjective burden, which improved between baseline and follow-up. Results for in-person and online formats did not differ. The six-session NAMI Homefront program was associated with benefits for military and veteran family members and support persons.

Texas task force to address mental health audit

Police officials in Austin, Texas, have formed a task force to address the conclusions of an audit that found the Austin Police Department could do a better job interacting with people with mental illness, Police Chief Brian Manley wrote in a memo Nov. 29, the Austin American‐Statesman reported Dec. 1. The audit found there are not enough mental health experts to assist police when they interact with people with mental illness, and that a third of the 24 people killed in Austin police shootings from 2010 through 2016 were having mental health crises. The Austin Police Department formed the committee to address the audit's findings in collaboration with Austin Travis County Integral Care and the local chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), Manley said in the memo. The committee's co‐chairs are Austin Police Assistant Chief Joseph Chacon, Dawn Handley of Integral Care and Karen Ranus of NAMI. The city will pay $75,000 to hire a consultant to craft the committee's final report, Manley wrote. Specific issues to be explored include police training, 911 dispatch, mental health data access and sharing, and outcome tracking.