we will never give up hope
The Solano County California chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness is a grass roots, self-help, support and advocacy non-profit organization dedicated to improving and helping families and individuals affected by mental illness. Nami Solano is in Northern California, NAMI Solano County includes the communities of Dixon, Vacaville, Fairfield, Vallejo and as well as other communities within Napa County.
Black History Month
Changing the Stigma
February 3rd, 1870 – The 15th amendment was passed giving everyone the right to vote.
February 25th, 1870 – Hiram R. Revels, the first African American senator, takes his oath of office
February 12th, 1909 – The NAACP was founded by W. E. B. Du Bois, Mary White Ovington, Moorfield Storey & Ida B. Wells
Feb. 1st, 1960 – African American college students remained seated at Woolworth’s lunch counter in Greensboro, NC
Although these 6 points in history are far from capturing the entire history of African American’s struggles for freedom and justice, they are a snapshot of events and people that have transformed this nation. Black History Month is about looking back and understanding how far we’ve come to draw the strength and wisdom necessary to move forward.
Mental illness affects one in four Americans. However, Black adults in the US are more likely to report persistent symptoms of emotional distress. Black adults living below the poverty line are more than twice as likely to report serious psychological distress than those with more financial security.
Despite this, only one in three Black adults who need mental health care receive it. According to the American Psychiatric Association’s Mental Health Facts for African Americans guide, they are also:
- less likely to receive guideline-consistent care,
- less frequently included in research,
- more likely to use emergency rooms or primary care (rather than mental health specialists)
It’s our job as an organization committed to helping all families and individuals affected by mental illness, get the help they need. We are here to partner with the Black community in helping them find resources to fight mental illness, take action in supporting and hearing our neighbors of color before a crisis happens, do our part to end racial violence, recognize any privileges and biases, and help those that feel unvalued or unheard find their voice and recognize their value.
Yes, their lives matter. And their mental health matters too.
Resources
Learn More About Mental Illness
EVENTS
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Registration for NAMIWalks Northern California is open
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Even during challenging times, a gratitude practice can help maintain our mental health.
We asked what you were grateful for with a 30-Second Survey. Here is a selection of answers.
“I am grateful for love, family, second chances and my life.”
“The support of friends and family.”
“I’m grateful that my son with mental illness is alive.”
“I am grateful for nurses and doctors. Up until about three weeks ago, this was not as high on my list. But now that my dad is off a ventilator and on the slow road to recovery, I see clearly how hard they are working to combat this horrible virus.”
“I’m extremely thankful for my family. Since being home for 9 months now, we have adapted to one another in ways I never could have imagined. We are able to spend more time to together, time that I had always wished I had before the pandemic, time that I will never get back, time that I am so glad I have to spend with my family.”
“I am incredibly grateful to my NAMI family for such a wonderful source of support for me and my family in what turned out to be a very rough year.”
“I am grateful for my friends, family, and NAMI community for helping me feel supported and connected during these especially challenging times. Also: let’s hear it for the technology that helps us stay virtually connected!”
What are YOU grateful for? Share your answer!
Find out more about how gratitude can improve mental health.
march, 2021
Press and Media
Welcome to the NAMI Newsroom! Every day, the media publishes stories about mental health. As a leading voice in the mental health community, NAMI can help journalists and thought leaders shape their messages by providing knowledgeable spokespeople, statistics and personal stories of people living with mental illness.
Sharing your personal journey takes strength:
– An individual living with Depression and Panic Attacks
– A mother with a 23 year old living with Schizophrenia
– An individual living with Depression and Panic Attacks
“Nami Solano reminded me that I am not alone.”
“The Connection group is amazing for my journey and gives me hope.”
It’s OK to not be OK right now.
Join & Connect
NAMI Solano County offers a variety of free programs for individuals living with mental health conditions and their family members and friends.
• NAMI Family-to-Family Course and NAMI Family Support Group
• NAMI Peer-to-Peer Course and NAMI Connection Support Group
• NAMI Parents and Teachers as Allies and NAMI on Campus
• NAMI In Our Own Voice-Personal stories on hope and recovery, presented to community groups by people who have experience living with mental illness
• NAMI Ending the Silence- Mental Health Education Program for High School Students
• NAMI Mental Health 101 – Presentation centered on uniqueness of Diverse Communities
• NAMI Basics: For Parents of School Age Children
• NAMI Faith Net – Education the Faith Community about Mental Illness
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