Welcome
We are glad you have found us. If you or your loved one suffers from a major mental illness, we can help.
NAMI-SFV ( National Alliance on Mental Illness, San Fernando Valley ) mission is to improve the lives of those affected by mental illness.
We understand that coping with mental illness can be overwhelming.
We know. We’ve been there. We can help!
For many of us, finding NAMI-SFV was the beginning of hope and recovery. NAMI-SFV provides hope and help through education, support and advocacy. ( scroll down to see Hillary's NEW VIDEO! )
Want to help? Check out volunteer opportunities.
**July is National Minority Mental Health Month**
Don't Miss: PBS Documentary A New State of MInd

The stigma associated with mental illness can be more destructive than the illness itself. Each of us has a role to play in ending the stigma once and for all, and building a stronger, healthier California. This film tells the stories of everyday people through their struggles, recovery and resilience in the face of mental health challenges. Narrated by award-winning actress Glenn Close. Brought to you by CalMHSA and Prop 63.
DON'T MISS FUN WAYS TO SUPPORT NAMI SFV
CLIENT CONGRESS FORUM,
June 28, 2013, 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
The Client Congress Forum provides a way for clients/consumers, family members, parents of minor children, youth over the age of eighteen, all underrepresented ethnic groups to learn the latest information on health reform. To deepen our understanding of advocacy issues that affect us. To network with one another and strengthen our commitment to making a positive difference in our communities. Registration required, Client Congress Registration form. For more information call: 213.739.7372 or email
Volunteer-- Learn about how you can help NAMI carry on its mission. Please contact 818-994-6747 to RSVP for the Volunteer Orientation.
NAMI WALKS 2013- Save the Date for our 10th anniversary NAMIWalks on Saturday, October 5th, 2013 in Santa Monica. See you there!
Click here for a list of support groups in
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Visit us on Social Media: (click on link)
NAMI SFV provides important information on how to help your loved one during a mental health crisis, and how to help during recovery and long term care.
NAMI SFV provides help for family members, caregivers, friends and for those living with mental illness. On this web site, you will find schedules of informative free classes, support groups, expert speaker meetings and other helpful information. You can also join us as a member, donate to support the important work we do, make a memorial or tribute donation in the name of a loved one, or get involved as a volunteer.
You will also find ways to speak out and speak up. NAMI San Fernando Valley advocates for mental health services. We work tirelessly to eliminate stigma of mental illness. We invite you to answer the call to action, take part in advocacy activities and to contribute your comments to our RATINGS and blog pages.
NAMI SFV Advocates for Mental Health Housing Access.
See current issues... including online survey.
Mental illness is an illness like any other.
There is no cure
There are effective medications and treatments
There is hope for full recovery.
Former Congressman of Rhode Island for 16 years, Patrick Kennedy addresses his own mental illness and talks about NAMI. At the end of video, it shows NAMI WALKS Massachusetts, but remember our NAMI WALKS LA is October 6, 2012, Join us! www.namiwalks.org
If you have trouble watching video click on link to view: http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=PMwrOVBmvn4
Former Congressman of Rhode Island for 16 years, Patrick Kennedy discusses the stigma surrounding mental health and mental illness with Piers Morgan on CNN
If you have trouble watching video click on link to view: http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Tukqm_rctyE
Take the next step towards hope and recovery and help us stamp out stigma by joining us for our annual NAMI WALKS event. Each year, NAMI San Fernando Valley takes part in NAMI WALKS For the Mind of America, a 5K fundraising and stigma-busting walk. If you are able to walk with us, you will help us take another step towards overcoming the shame and isolation that families and individuals cope with in addition to the challenges of their illness. Or, read our book:
NAMI SFV Wisdom Legacy book on living with Mental Illness
Available Now! Learn more about Wisdom Legacy.
NAMI SFV WRITES BOOK ON MENTAL ILLNESS
NAMI San Fernando Valley “Our Stories, Things We Know Now We Wish We Knew Before” book tells stories of families and individuals impacted by Mental Illness.
NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) San Fernando Valley has partnered with Wisdom Legacy to create a book about living with mental illness. Family members and individuals living with mental illness contribute deeply personal stories to an online forum created by Wisdom Legacy with the goal of capturing and publishing one million stories.
Nearly 50 NAMI members have taken part in the project, sharing the wisdom and insight of their experiences. "Our Stories, Things We Know Now We Wish We Knew Before" is a soft-bound book, 182 pages, with stories of the trials and triumphs of living with severe Mental Illness, recovery and treatment tips, and a glossary of mental health terms. The book is available for sale at $9.95 online and at NAMI SFV Expert Speaker Meetings . The book will also be provided to community organizations that will benefit from a deeper understanding of living with mental illness.
For more information Contact us 818-994-6747
RALPHS PARTICIPANT REGISTRATION FOR THE NEW TERM BEGINS ON SEPTEMBER 1, 2012
Anyone who is currently enrolled in the Ralphs Community Contribution Program will remain active until August 31, 2012.
Starting September 1, 2012 participants will be required to register or re-register for the new term at www.ralphs.com (our NAMI SFV code is #92030)
or by using the scanbar letter at the register.
If you received a scanbar letter last year, it is still good and can be used this year. If you need a scanbar letter mailed to you or if you have any questions, contact
mail@namisfv.org
BIG SUCCESS
In 2011, NAMI SFV teams included a delightful partner team of 60 students and faculty from Cal State Northridge, CSUN, who joined NAMI families and friends on a bright beautiful day for our 8th annual NAMI WALKS.
In 2012, The 5K (3.2 miles) walk started at 10 am at Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica on Saturday, October 6th with a group stretch, rousing speakers, music and a presentation of a declaration of NAMI WALKS DAY.
Join us Saturday, October 5, 2013 for a breathtaking ocean view walk and an opportunity to get to know others living with mental illness in our community while making important progress towards stamping out stigma!
Hillary: Her Story
Take a moment to view Hillary's video and log on to support her walk effort.
If you have trouble watching video click on link to view:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gN2z54HgTO8&feature=youtu.be
Thank you to all who supported NAMI WALKS

NAMI WALKS - a beautiful walk every year! We start walking on the Promenade and stroll along the bluffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean. It is a beautiful setting and a gentle, but very visible reminder that we walk to end stigma, support one another, and work to improve the lives of individuals and families living with severe mental illness.
In addition to raising awareness to help end the mental illness stigma this event raises the funds that enable us to provide free education and support groups to families of those living with a chronic mental illness as well as those who themselves are living with such illnesses.
Last year we set a goal to have 37 walk teams and we got very, very close. We plan to continue to grow and help more families. All of you made our success possible. Thank you for your support. Tina Howard.

NAMI WALKS a fun, meaningful way to make a difference.
"Change Minds One Step At a Time"
NAMI RESPONSE TO CONNECTICUT TRAGEDY The Connecticut Tragedy and Mental Health CareMichael J. Fitzpatrick,
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NAMI mentioned in the LA times"NAMI is a valuable resource for parents searching for help in a labyrinthine and bewildering mental health care system".Article: A lifeline for parents concerned about a child's mental healthwritten by:
Steve Lopez
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NAMI Statement on Kelly Thomas Tragedy
We extend our sympathy and offer our support to the family.
Alternative Opinion on Kelly Thomas Tragedy from former LAPD Officer
Stigma may well have contributed to the tragic shootings in Arizona in January 2011, according to this article that appeared in the San Francisco Chronicle. . and this article that appeared in The Atlantic.
NAMI RESPONSE TO ARIZONA TRAGEDY UPDATE |
The Arizona Tragedy and Mental Health CareMichael J. Fitzpatrick,
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| ©2002, 2009 San Fernando Valley Alliance on Mental Illness