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WELCOME TO THE NAMI INDIANAPOLIS HOME PAGE.

We are dedicated to improving the lives of persons and families
affected by mental illnesses through education, support and advocacy.

Information about NAMI Indianapolis and its programs is available through the links on the left-hand side of this home page. 

NAMIWalks
“Working for NAMI Indianapolis”

Dear Friends:

The inaugural NAMIWalks Walk-a-Thon, hosted by NAMI Indianapolis was held on Saturday, May 30 inside Castleton Square Mall in Indianapolis.  NAMI Indianapolis assumed this fundraising activity from NAMI Indiana.  We had big shoes to fill.

I think we filled them well.  Although donations are still be accepted until the end of July, we are pleased that NAMI Indianapolis supporters were able to help us reach and surpass our financial goal.

The announcement of the fundraising prizes will be made later this summer when online fundraising closes, but we were able to award some fun prizes the day of the Walk!  They included:

• First Team Registered:  “Recovery is Reality” (they registered January 26!)
• Best Team Name:  “Team Stigmasaurus’ Rex”, our friends with Mental Health American of Greater Indianapolis
• Most Creative Use of Team Name:  “Sara’s Strutters” had bandanas and flags!
• Best Team Sprit:  Adult & Child Mental Health Center of Indianapolis.
• First Walker to Finish:  Mr. Derek Brown of Noblesville

Indianapolis First Lady Mrs. Winnie Ballard, our honorary Chair, welcomed all attending and provided the countdown for step-off.   At the closing ceremony, walkers were surprised with a special guest, Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard.

Sponsors for the 2009 NAMI Indianapolis NAMIWalks included Castleton Square Mall, Adult & Child, BehaviorCorp, Cummins Behavioral Health Services, Whitson Vision, Cit E Scapes, Coca-Cola, Kroger, Eli Lilly, M&I Bank, Oldies 101.9, Chick-Fil-A, Macy’s Expedition Hope, Dalton-Cole & Associates & BKS Communications.

Don’t forget that you still have time to make a difference by supporting NAMI Indianapolis.  The NAMI Indianapolis NAMIWalks webpage will remain active until the end of July.  Simply click HERE to go to the online donation page and then select either "Support a walker" or "General donations" on the right-hand side of the page to make an online donation.

Thank you for your support of NAMI Indianapolis!

Click HERE to make an online donation to NAMI Indianapolis NAMIWalks.

We would like to call special attention to the following
mental health education courses for caregivers:

Family-to-Family - Do you have a loved one over 18 who battles depression, bi-polar disorder or some other serious emotional or mental disorder?   Then NAMI Indianapolis Family-to-Family Education Course can help you learn more about your role as caregiver, the illness, treatment options, medications, and how to better understand and advocate for your loved one.  The next 12-week course will be held in the Fall of this year, and more information will be posted on our website when the date and location of the course are available.  The course wil be offered at no charge but will require registration.  Because course size is limited, early registration is recommended by calling (317) 767-7653 and leaving a voice mail message with your name and telephone number or by emailing to info@namiindy.org.

NAMI Basics - If you are the caregiver of a child under 18 who struggles with a serious emotional or mental disorder, the NAMI Indianapolis Basics Course is designed for you.  Learn from trained parents who have “been there” - illness symptoms, treatment options, and how to advocate for medical and educational services for your child.   This course is offered without charge, but is limited in size and requires pre-registration.  During the remainder of this year, the following three options are being offered to take the Basics Course:

Option 1:  Saturday Three-Week Course
Time:  9:30 A.M.-3:30 P.M. with a 1 hour lunch break
Dates:  July 11, 18, 25

Option 2:  Saturday Three-Week Course
Time:  9:30 A.M.-3:30 P.M. with a 1 hour lunch break
Dates:  August 29; September 5, 12

Option 3:  Sunday Six-Week Course
Time:  2:00-4:30 P.M.
Dates:  September 13, 20, 27; October 4, 11, 18

Location:  Each of these courses will be held at the Plainfield Friends Meeting Church, 105 S. East Street, Plainfield, Indiana (Highway U.S. 40 and East Street in downtown Plainfield).

You are encouraged to register early for the Basics Course by calling (317) 767-7653 and leaving a voice mail message with your name and telephone number or by emailing to info@namiindy.org.  

NAMI'S RECENT REPORT CARD ON
THE NATION'S MENTAL HEALTH CARE SYSTEM

The National Alliance on Mental Illness recently released a new report, Grading the States, assessing the nation's public mental health care system for adults.  The national average grade is a D, with 14 states improving and 12 falling backwards since the previous report.  The prospects for improvement in areas of deficiency are threatened by the budget crises facing many states.  A summary of the report is available at Grading the States 2009, and the full report, including the section on Indiana, can be accessed at www.nami.org/grades09.

Nami Indianapolis--Your Community's Voice on Mental Illness

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