NAMI was founded in Madison, Wisconsin by Harriet Shetler and Beverly Young. The two women both had sons diagnosed with schizophrenia, and "were tired of being blamed for their sons' mental illness". Unhappy with the lack of services available and the treatment of those living with mental illness, the women sought out others with similar concerns. The first meeting held to address these issues in mental health led to the formation of the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill in 1979. In 1997, the legal name was changed to the acronym, NAMI.
NAMI Family-to-Family, NAMI Support Groups and other programs offer free, peer-led support for individuals and families impacted by mental health conditions. These groups provide a safe space to share experiences, find community, and gain valuable resources.
Visit https://namimid-carolina.org to learn more and find a support group near you.
