What is NAMI Racine County?

NAMI Racine County is a local organization of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). We seek to improve the quality of life of all individuals affected by mental illness and to promote recovery. NAMI Racine County focuses on three areas that offer reform, health, and hope to our community: Advocacy, Education, and Support.
​​NAMI Racine County advocates at the individual and local level to protect the rights and promote the welfare of the individuals living with mental illness and their loved ones. We are dedicated to improving and increasing access to care and eliminating stigma for those living with mental illness in our community.
NAMI Racine County works to promote public education and understanding of mental illness. We provide unique educational opportunities at no charge for those living with mental illness, family members, and the community. We also offer a lending library of mental health-related resources.
NAMI Racine County offers a variety of structured support groups where individuals with shared experiences can connect and provide mutual support. NAMI Racine County's peer-led support groups encourage and provide a pathway to recovery. We also provide advocacy, referral, and support information by phone or in person.

YOU ARE NOT ALONE

One in four adults - approximately 61.5 million Americans - experiences mental illness in a given year.
If you, or someone you care about, has a mental illness, you are not alone. Over 250,000 people in Wisconsin live with a serious mental illness. Mental illness affects not only the individual but also those close to them. As many as one in four families are affected.

Mental illness strike individuals in the prime of their lives, often during adolescence and young adulthood. Early identification and treatment are of vital importance.

What is Mental Illness?

A mental illness is a medical condition that disrupts a person's thinking, feeling, mood, and/or ability to relate to others and daily function.

Mental illness can affect persons of any age, race, religion, or income. Mental illness is not the result of personal weakness, lack of character, or poor upbringing. Mental illnesses are treatable and recovery is possible.

What Does Recovery Look Like?

​The recovery journey is unique for each individual. One of the most important principles is this: Recovery is a process, not an event. The uniqueness and individual nature of recovery must be honored. While mental illness impacts individuals in many ways, the concept that individuals can move toward wellness is paramount.

There is no need to be ashamed, but there may be reason to seek help...

How can we help?
NAMI Racine County relies on gifts and contributions to support our important work:

We provide peer-led education and support programs to help people affected by mental illness get the support and information they need to better understand mental illness and navigate the mental health system.

We provide community education and outreach to reduce stigma and help the general public better understand mental illness.

We advocate at the local, state, and national levels for increased funding and better access to quality mental health services.
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We promote public awareness through events and activities such as the Bike N Hike to reduce stigma and encourage understanding.