By Ryan Gallagher
May 2026 | 2026 Spring – Summer Newsletter
May is Mental Health Month, which is the perfect time to highlight an important nonprofit organization: National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Santa Clara County. NAMI was founded in 1975 with the mission to help people with a lived experience of mental illness and their families by providing support, education, and advocacy. NAMI’s goals include promoting research, reducing stigma and discrimination in the community, and improving services by working with mental health professionals and families.
NAMI Santa Clara County supports the nationwide mental health movement working to achieve equitable services and treatment for the more than 15 million Americans living with a mental diagnosis. Volunteers donate their time to provide educational classes with helpful resources, including topics on advocating for necessary health coverage, housing, rehabilitation, and employment.
It is important to end the stigma associated with mental health disorders and encourage not only consumers, but their family and friends to reach out to affiliates like NAMI to find critical support and guidance about mental health. NAMI understands mental health affects both men and women of all ages, races, and social classes. NAMI does not discriminate; it offers help to all individuals and their families, including support and services in other languages.
NAMI Santa Clara County offers free education programs, support groups, and resources to family, friends, and consumers. Make sure to take advantage of this valuable community resource and reach out for services in your area by calling (408) 453-0400 or visiting namisantaclara.org.