National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Grand Traverse

Mission: To provide hope, support, education, and advocacy to individuals living with mental health conditions and those who care for them.

NAMI Grand Traverse (National Alliance on Mental Illness) is a nonprofit organization that provides support, education, and advocacy for individuals and families affected by mental health conditions in the Grand Traverse region of Michigan. NAMI Grand Traverse is part of the larger NAMI Michigan network and the National NAMI organization, which is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to improving the lives of people affected by mental illness.

Founded in 1984, NAMI Grand Traverse began as a local effort to address the significant need for mental health awareness, resources, and support in the community. The organization’s founders recognized that many individuals and families in the region were struggling with mental health challenges and lacked access to information, support groups, and resources to help them navigate the complex mental health system.

Since its founding, NAMI Grand Traverse has been a vital resource for the community, offering:

• Peer Support and Education: Support groups and programs like NAMI Family-to-Family and Peer-to-Peer provide education and emotional support for individuals with mental illness and their families.
• Advocacy: The organization champions policies that enhance mental health services, reduce stigma, and improve care at local, state, and national levels.
• Public Awareness: Through educational events, campaigns, and outreach, NAMI Grand Traverse promotes understanding and reduces stigma surrounding mental health.
• Crisis Resources: NAMI helps individuals in crisis connect with mental health services and partners with local providers to improve care in the region.