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Monthly news from NAMI California
Message from CEO Jessica Cruz
As we mark one year since the start of the pandemic, we're reflecting on how far we've come. We learned a lot this year as we adjusted to circumstances beyond our control and worked to maintain safe spaces in our communities. We're proud of our affiliates for stepping up to offer virtual support services and of our collective efforts to connect with one another online and advocate for our members. Whether we are at the State Capitol or safely sitting at our desks, our NAMI CA team never stops working to fight for equity and inclusion without discrimination for all families impacted by mental illness throughout this great state. We truly are stronger together and we look forward with hope to a safer future.
While we are hopeful for safer days ahead, we know many in our communities continue to struggle with the effects and we are keeping our COVID-19 guides updated with resources to help you and your family cope.... We asked community members if they'd learned lessons during the pandemic. Here is a selection of answers.... In good news for the whole country, the latest COVID-19 Relief Package was signed into law by President Biden and includes billions for mental health support and services. Among the highlights; Nearly $4 billion is being committed for state and local mental health and substance use services, school-based mental health programs and workforce training, and $140 million in funds will promote mental health among health care professionals and first responders. Find out more.
Celebrating Women's History Month
For Women's History Month, we recognize the trail-blazing accomplishments of women in our community, past and present. We thank them for leading the way, opening doors, and breaking glass ceilings, all while trying to fight for equality and help others in our communities.

EVENTS
Town Hall Meeting on March 30
Questions about changes to Medi-Cal as it could impact mental health services for you or your family? Staff from the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) will join us for a Town Hall session on CalAIM, the initiative to improve the quality of life and health outcomes, through implementation of a broad delivery system, program and payment reform, across the Medi-Cal program.

Tuesday, March 30, 1 pm PT
Youth Symposium 2021 in April
Now more than ever, we need to make sure we're providing for the mental health needs of our youth. Join us for our two-day Youth Symposium featuring youth speakers and more special guests to be announced soon. With presentations and workshops, we will discuss ways to support youth mental health. 

Tuesday, April 13 and Wednesday, April 14, 2021, 2 pm PT
Capitol Advocacy Day in May
Each year, NAMI California hosts advocacy days to provide a platform for passionate community members to engage with lawmakers on important policies aimed at improving the quality of life for people with mental illness. Our next Capitol Advocacy Day is set for Spring 2021.

We’re lining up legislators to visit and will share more details soon.

Tuesday, May 4, 2021
TRAININGS
Want to help support your NAMI community members? Find out about trainings offered by NAMI California and our local affiliates.
ADVOCACY
Let's improve health care access and outcomes by making it easier for people to receive and share important health information.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) seeks to change the HIPAA Privacy Rule to allow for more flexibility in how “protected health information” can be shared, and they’re reviewing public comments before they finalize these changes.

Senate Bill AB 244 Advances
The mental health education bill we co-sponsored, SB 224 (State Sen. Anthony J. Portantino), was approved with bipartisan support by the Senate Education Committee. 
Letter in Support of Community Members at Risk for COVID-19
Research has found that individuals with severe mental illness and substance abuse disorder are among those at highest risk for contracting COVID-19 and COVID-19 related mortality. As such, we believe that individuals with mental and substance use disorders should be among those listed as eligible in the March 15 vaccine allocation guidelines. Read our letter.
COMMUNITY VOICES
30-Second Surveys
New Comments and Posts
TEAM NAMI CALIFORNIA
Membership
We couldn't make the strides we do to improve mental health for our communities without the input and support of our members.

Voting for NAMI California's Board of Directors is coming up soon, and only active members will able to vote.

If you are already a member, we thank you! Has your membership lapsed? It's time to renew!
More Ways to Be Involved
You can also support NAMI California with donations or by making purchases using Amazon Smile or through Target Circle (at no extra cost!) More on how to shop for a cause, other ways you can give. You can also find about about ways to ​be involved in our efforts to improve mental health care and service for all Californians, from supporting advocacy efforts to finding out about volunteer opportunities and sharing your insights and stories.