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For the latest Handbook for Caregivers, NAMI Mass Resources, and Cape Ann Social Club information, click on "Programs," then "Resources" at the upper left of the page."

NAMI Cape Ann serves the communities of Gloucester, Rockport, Essex, and Manchester-by-the-Sea.

Dear Friends,

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, mental disorders are common in the United States and internationally. An estimated one in five adult suffer from a diagnosable mental disorder in a given year. Children are being diagnosed at younger and younger ages. In addition, four of the ten leading causes of disability in the U.S. and other developed countries are mental disorders such as major depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Many people suffer from more than one mental disorder at a given time.

Unlike cancer and cardiac disease, brain disorders often receive a hostile reception from the general public, some businesses, insurance companies, and even some in the medical community. People with mental illness can and do recover. As with other illnesses such as prostate cancer, breast cancer, and AIDS, early detection is key. Unfortunately, staying in the closet, denial, and postponing treatment is prevalent.

The mental health crisis is having a devastating effect on education, law enforcement, business, and health care, to say nothing of the devastation to families. NAMI’s mission is to educate these communities in order to reduce the stigma and encourage treatment.

 "We can’t control the wind. We can adjust our sails."

~~ NAMI Cape Ann’s motto

At present, we can’t prevent or cure mental illness. We can de-stigmatize and treat it.

Please help us "adjust our sails."

Thank you from your friends at NAMI Cape Ann.

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Tax deductible donations may be sent to:

NAMI Cape Ann, PO Box 37, Gloucester, MA 01931

NAMI Cape Ann is a 501 ( c ) (3) corporation.

Founded in 1979, NAMI has become the “nation’s voice on mental illness” in all fifty states and in over 1,100 local communities. NAMI is the nation’s leading grassroots advocacy organization solely dedicated to improving the lives of persons with severe brain illnesses, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder (manic-depressive illness), major depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and severe anxiety disorders.

Severe mental illness can strike anyone at anytime, occurring in all cultures, races, and  socio-economic classes. There are about 8 million Americans afflicted and the most often diagnosed are young people between the ages of 16 and 25.

At present there are no cures for severe mental illness, but with proper medication and supportive care, effective treatment is possible for many.  Often, the stigma attached to mental illness is as painful as the symptoms.

NAMI’s goal is to eradicate mental illness,  erase stigma, and improve the quality of life for those affected by these diseases.

NAMI offers individual connections within the community, and telephone contacts in times of crisis. You are not alone!  Many families have faced situations similar to yours and stand ready to share experiences and information.                             

NAMI advocates for appropriate treatment and services, mutually beneficial working relationships with professionals, provider accountability, research for brain disorders, insurance parity with other biologically based illnesses, suitable and affordable housing, and equitable justice from the judicial system.

Public awareness activities, including our education and support programs, the Stigmabusters Network, and NAMI Walks for the Minds of America help dispel the stigma associated with mental illness and encourage early intervention and treatment.                    

Newsletters from our National, State, and Local organizations and informative e-mails are sent to our members on a regular basis and information is shared at annual National and State conventions and  with other affiliates quarterly.

The American Institute of Philanthropy has given NAMI an “A” for its effective use of charitable dollars.

NAMI was awarded the 2007 Lilly Reintegration Award, ranking First Place in the Advocacy Category.

The National Alliance on Mental Illness meets the BBB Wise Giving Alliance's Standards for Charity Accountability

NAMI Cape Ann Voice Mail:  978-281-1557   

E-mail:  namicapeann@comcast.net

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