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NIMH OUTREACH PARTNER PROGRAM

The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) Outreach Partnership Program is a nationwide outreach initiative enlisting State and national organizations in a partnership to help close the gap between mental health research and clinical practice and increase the public's awareness of the importance of basic and clinical research in advancing knowledge of the brain and behavior.

The Outreach Partnership Program is a central element in the broader effort by NIMH to deliver science-based information on mental health to the public, health professionals, voluntary organizations and other key stakeholders.  The objectives are to improve the identification, diagnosis and treatment of mental illnesses, and alleviate the effects of co-occurring alcoholism and other substance abuse among all Americans - including underserved populations such as racial or ethnic minority groups, children, older adults and people living in rural areas.

Outreach Partners may be organizations, departments or agencies chosen through a rigorous competition where applications are reviewed by the Expert Panel and NIMH staff, operate independently of the NIMH.  In the recent competition which ended in December 2005 NAMI Washington was chosen again as the NIMH Outreach Partner for the State of Washingtonand Jim Adams will continue to serve as the “Partner”.  Dr. Paul Peterson, Clinical Professor, University of Washington, serves as our Science Advisor.

NIMH and its Outreach Partners strive to:

•    Disseminate science-based information on mental illnesses, alcoholism, and drug abuse to consumers, families, and policy makers at the state and local level.
•    Support the understanding of brain disorders, specifically mental illnesses and substance abuse disorders, and the importance of accurate diagnosis and treatment.
•    Reduce the stigma and discrimination associated with mental disorders, alcoholism, and drug addiction.
•    Encourage individuals with symptoms of mental disorders, alcoholism, and drug addiction to seek help.
•    Eliminate disparities that exist in access to care and health outcomes due to race, culture, age, geographical location, and gender.

Jim can be contacted by email at: namiskc@aol.com or by phone at: (425) 643-7622.   LINKS to the NIMH Web Site HERE, to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSA) HERE, and the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) HERE.

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