NAMI Howard County

NAMI Howard County is the local affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), the largest grassroots mental health organization in the United States. Operating in Howard County, Maryland, since 1979, the organization provides free support, education, and advocacy for individuals and families affected by mental illness. Its mission is to improve the lives of those with mental illness, combat stigma, and raise community awareness. The national NAMI organization was founded in 1979 by Harriet Shetler and Beverly Young, two mothers who had sons diagnosed with schizophrenia and were frustrated by the lack of available services and the blame placed on families.

As a nonprofit entity, NAMI Howard County's business model is based on financial contributions through donations, memberships, and grants, which allows it to offer all its programs free of charge. The organization serves anyone in the Howard County community concerned about mental illness, including individuals with a diagnosis, their family members, friends, and the public at large. It offers a variety of peer-led programs, including support groups for families, parents, veterans, and adults living with mental illness. Educational courses like 'Family-to-Family' and 'Peer-to-Peer' are provided to help families and individuals better understand and navigate mental health conditions. The organization also engages in community outreach through presentations and works to eliminate the stigma associated with mental illness.

Keywords: mental health support, family mental health services, mental illness advocacy, peer support groups, mental health education, community mental health, nonprofit, Howard County Maryland, mental illness resources, stigma reduction, family support, crisis intervention, mental health awareness, veteran mental health, youth mental health support, caregiver support, NAMI, depression support, bipolar disorder support, schizophrenia support