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March 2020
Coronavirus Updates
We know many of our community members are concerned about the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. We hope you are safe. To help, we have a post on mental health advice, public health updates, and resources, which we plan to keep updated with news and additional information as we get it.
Celebrating Women's History
At NAMI California, we are proud of the our diverse and dedicated staff, which includes leadership roles held by women. For  Women's History Month , we honor the sacrifices and courage of the trailblazers who came before us and took action to ensure that our voices are heard and space was made for as at the table. We carry on our work every day to fight for equality for our families and communities with appreciation for those who came before us. 
Events
NAMI California Conference 2020
In addition to our 2-day conference, we're also:
  • Hosting our annual Multicultural Symposium on June 1 (registration information to be posted soon)
  • Planning a mental health rally and legislative visits on June 2 for conference registrants, to ensure policymakers are making more informed decisions to improve the public mental health system
Southern California Regional Multicultural Symposium
As part of our work to bridge the gaps created by mental health stigma, we will be bringing together community leaders, providers, and peers from diverse communities to foster an open dialogue about the successes and challenges various communities have experienced.

April 10 in Los Angeles
Youth Symposium
For our 2nd annual Youth Symposium, we are planning a program to empower and provide a space for young people and educators to become informed about the importance of ending stigma and opening up the conversation about mental illness and mental health.

April 22 in Sacramento
Trainings, Webinars, Calls
Cultural & Linguistic Trainings
Cultural & Linguistic Responsiveness Toolkit Training Webinar : Our interactive webinar introduces our updated toolkit, used to address the mental health disparities that exist among communities from diverse racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds (i.e. Latinx, LGBTQ, veteran, etc.) and better serve all individuals.

Cultural and Linguistic Competence Training Part III: Principles of Community Engagement : NAMI California, in partnership with the UC Davis Health Center for Reducing Health Disparities, provides this online training to equip participants with tools and resources needed to engage diverse communities.

Family & Peer Support Specialist Training Course
Peers and family members are provided with behavioral health educational training, one-on-one career counseling, and support to volunteer or work in the behavioral health field. 

Facilitators Training for the Connection Program
NAMI California is currently looking for qualified, passionate people to be trained as Facilitators for the Connection Program in your community! NAMI Connection is a free and confidential support group for adults living with mental health challenges. 

March 28-29 : find out more and submit an application
Advocacy and Outreach
Annual Mental Health Survey
Help us improve mental health care in California by taking our annual survey ! This is your chance to share your experiences on accessing mental health care and make suggestions for what needs to improve. The surveys are available in English, Spanish, Chinese (simplified), and Arabic.

Kern County Focus Group for Families and Caregivers of Transitional Age Youth (TAY)
Join us as we gather with other family members and loved ones to address current access to mental health services that affect your TAY family member or loved one. Share with us what is working for your family when looking for services and care, and provide feedback and recommendations. The first 20 family members or loved ones to register will receive a $25 gift card for joining us; a free meal will be provided for attendees.

News and Resources
CEO Jessica Cruz Appointed to New Task Force
Cruz was appointed to the California Health And Human Services Agency's Behavioral Health Task Force , which began meetings this month.

Self-Care Guide
Newly posted: Advice on how to make sure you're practicing self-care.
Local Support
There is always help and hope and you are not alone: Our 60-plus NAMI California affiliates across the state offer free and confidential support groups and classes for families and peers impacted by mental health conditions.


Support for NAMI California
Make an Impact When You File Your State Taxes
Tax tip: you can improve mental health services for our families and communities in California by checking a box on your state tax return !

Go to the Contributions page on your California Income Tax Return and check the box entitled “National Alliance on Mental Illness California Voluntary Tax Contribution Fund” to help fund our partnership with local law enforcement to safely interact with individuals experiencing a mental health crisis through Crisis Intervention Training (CIT).
Fundraise for NAMI
In addition to becoming a member, there are many ways you can support our work every day to improve mental health care and services in California: Shopping on Amazon, purchasing gift cards; raising funds with a party or event. Find out about all the ways you can give to NAMI California. Thank you!