NAMI Fund for Hurricane Ike & Gustav Victims

NAMI has established a special fund to provide relief to individuals and families affected by serious mental illnesses in Louisiana and Texas communities devastated by Hurricanes Gustav and Ike.

Donations to the NAMI Hurricane Relief Fund can be made below. One hundred percent of funds raised will go directly to individuals and families through local NAMI affiliates.

“People living with mental illnesses often are among the most vulnerable in our society,” said NAMI executive director Michael J. Fitzpatrick. “Unfortunately, they also are often overlooked during disasters.”

“Stress, trauma and dislocation can worsen pre-existing mental illnesses or trigger onset in people who have never confronted serious mental health problems before,” Fitzpatrick said. “At the same time, access to treatment is diminished. The impact of the disaster is greatly multiplied.”

NAMI is also providing Disaster Relief Information Resources on its Web site to help individuals and families. In weeks, months and years ahead, residents of affected areas, especially children, may struggle with anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

For survivors of Hurricane Katrina in 2005, the impact of the latest storms may be especially acute. At that time, NAMI distributed more than $100,000 to individuals and families in the Gulf region for phone cards, medical treatment, lab work, food, clothing, transportation, and temporary housing.

“NAMI is a consumer and family organization,” Fitzpatrick said. “Recovery means people helping people. In the face of catastrophe, NAMI’s extended family and network of friends want to help.”

NAMI Hurricane Relief Fund
Disaster Relief Information Resources

Grading the States: Take the Survey Now

NAMI is conducting a survey of adults living with serious illnesses and their family members. It is available at NAMI.org and includes a version in Spanish.

In addition to providing information for incorporation into a NAMI report, Grading States 2009, the survey will help NAMI learn about how well states are providing funded mental health services. The survey:

• Is available online through September 30, 2008;
• Takes only about 10-15 minutes to complete;
• Is completely anonymous (NAMI will have no way of identifying you or your family member);
• Was created in partnership with TeleSage, a leading independent survey technology company.
• The results of the survey will be summarized and incorporated into the NAMI report Grading the States 2009, which will be released in early 2009.

NAMI is asking individuals and families affected by serious mental illness, to take the survey to measure “real world experiences.”

To participate, you must be 18 years or older and have been diagnosed with a serious mental illness or have an adult family member who has been diagnosed with the same.

Grading the States Survey

Benton & Franklin Mental Health Housing Options

Don’t miss this chance to learn about various housing opportunities and programs available. This presentation is being offered by staff from the Community Action Committee.

Held: Tuesday, September 9
Time: 7:00 pm

Shalom Church
505 McMurray Street
Richland, WA

Educate Local Candidates on NAMI and Issues

Our grassroots leaders have asked for questions that they can use in state and Congressional elections. In response, NAMI National has developed some broad questions, that can be asked at candidate forums or as a questionnaire.

To view these materials and how nonprofits can use the questions for Presidential, Congressional, state and local candidates. Go to NAMI.org and locate the August 22 issue of Friday Facts.

NAMI membership is required to access Friday Facts.

NAMI Friday Facts