NAMI MN Holiday Gift Drive
NAMI Minnesota will again be collecting holiday gifts for children and adults with mental illnesses who are in an inpatient psychiatric unit or residential mental health treatment facility in December. Gifts can be dropped off at the NAMI office during normal business hours, you can have gifts shipped to our office or you can make special arrangements. They must be unwrapped. We will be needing drivers as well. Contact volunteer.resources@namimn.org to help or with questions.
Guidance on needed gift donations:
Thank you for making the holidays brighter!
NAMI Minnesota will again be collecting holiday gifts for children and adults with mental illnesses who are in an inpatient psychiatric unit or residential mental health treatment facility in December. Gifts can be dropped off at the NAMI office during normal business hours, you can have gifts shipped to our office or you can make special arrangements. They must be unwrapped. We will be needing drivers as well. Contact volunteer.resources@namimn.org to help or with questions.
Guidance on needed gift donations:
- Gifts for children (ages 6 to 18). Items must be safe (no sharp edges, ribbons, etc.) and can include: art materials, puzzles, board or card games, origami paper, scrapbook supplies, journals (no spiral notebooks), crayons/markers. Items for boys/young men are especially needed (no clothing)
- Gifts for adults in inpatient psychiatric wards. Items must be safe (nothing sharp, ribbons, etc.) and can include: word puzzle books, find the words puzzle books, crossword puzzles, puzzles, Sudoku, deck of cards, journals (no spirals notebooks), socks, hats, gloves, t-shirts (large sizes)
- Gifts for adults in residential facilities can include toiletries (toothbrush, soap, shampoo, deodorant, lotion, toothpaste), games, puzzles, deck of cards, microwave popcorn, calendars, t-shirts, long sleeve t-shirts, drawstring sweatpants, stocking hats, gloves, “snack packs”
Thank you for making the holidays brighter!
NAMI MN Seeking support group facilitators
If you have been helped by a NAMI Minnesota Connections or Open Door support group and are interested in becoming a facilitator, please contact Cherolyn Fischer at peerprogramcoordinator@namimn.org for more information about our upcoming trainings:
If you have been helped by a NAMI Minnesota Connections or Open Door support group and are interested in becoming a facilitator, please contact Cherolyn Fischer at peerprogramcoordinator@namimn.org for more information about our upcoming trainings:
- Saturday December 5, 9:00am-4:00 pm (online): Open Door Support Group Facilitator Training
- Saturday December 12 and Sunday December 13, 8:00am-5:00 pm (online; 2-day training, trainees must attend both days): Connections Support Group Facilitator Trainin
- NAMI seeking BIPOC support group facilitators
- NAMI Minnesota is currently looking for new BIPOC identifying support group facilitators who have lived experience with mental illness and are passionate about leading groups within BIPOC identifying communities. Facilitators will provide a safe, encouraging and respectful space for BIPOC identifying participants who live with mental illnesses, or who have family members that do. Facilitators must be able to commit to a year and attend the complete training. Facilitators will receive a stipend for each group that they lead as well as training and ongoing support from NAMI Minnesota staff. We would appreciate you sharing this within your networks to individuals that you think would be interested in lending their voices and time. Contact Jasara at volunteer.resources@namimn.org with questions or if you are interested.
NAMI Minnesota's Response to the Coronavirus
As the Coronavirus continues to spread in Minnesota, and with deep concern for the health of our staff, volunteers and the people we serve, NAMI Minnesota is taking actions in line with the recommendations of Governor Walz and the Minnesota Department of Health. We know that we need to play our part in preventing the spread of COVID-19. Reducing social contact now can slow the spread and prevent our health care system from being overwhelmed.
The NAMI Minnesota office will largely be operating remotely. The help line will continue to operate but please know that people will need to leave a message and it may take longer to return your call.
We will be moving many support groups and classes to an online format.
Support groups will be virtual with a choice of two different systems – Zoom or Support Group Central. Information on how to access the online support groups will be on our website sometime on Monday. Most in-person classes are cancelled, but please check our website to see if they are being offered online.
NAMI Minnesota made the decision to suspend all in-person support groups until April 17, possibly longer. This was done out of health and safety concerns for everyone. Support group leaders have been made aware of this, and several have stepped forward to help lead virtual support group sessions. These session are set up via Zoom so anyone can access them by either phone or internet. Again, you do not need a computer or internet to access these groups. You can also call in to the sessions.
The link below will show you all scheduled virtual support groups at this time. Please note, this changes almost every hour as the situation is rapidly changing. What you see right now will change by the end of the day. That is why we are encouraging you to post a link to these support groups on your website rather than sending out a PDF.
https://namimn.org/support/nami-minnesota-support-groups/
We are very concerned about the mental health of the people we serve and the greater community. This is a very trying time. If you have questions about COVID-19, call the Department of Health at 651-201-3920 or 1-800-657-3903 from 7 am - 7 pm every day of the week.
If you are:
It’s also important to know that visits to inpatient mental health units may be curtailed, so find alternative ways to stay connected.
Because people with mental illnesses have higher smoking rates, they are at a higher risk, so calling the mental health crisis team in order to avoid going to the ER is a good option. As more people may experience anxiety and panic attacks, be sure to call your primary care clinic or the crisis team for help.
Lastly, take care of yourself. We know people are feeling overwhelmed and increasingly anxious. Remember that knowledge is power and don’t accept everything that you hear or read. Go to trusted sites such as the CDC or the Minnesota Department of Health. And limit the amount of time you spend watching or listening to the news.
While we are supposed to socially isolate ourselves to prevent the COVID-19 from spreading, we don’t need to emotionally isolate ourselves. Check in with people you care about or neighbors who don’t have close family or friends by calling, emailing or connecting on social media. Keep a routine, eat healthy and take a walk. Download the apps that help with anxiety such as Calm or Headspace. Listen to calming music.
By doing what we can to minimize the spread of COVID-19 and by supporting each other, we will make it through this difficult time. NAMI Minnesota will continue to keep you updated as this situation evolves and share more information as things change. Please check our website for any updates about support groups, classes and the office and again, for the most accurate and up-to-date sources of information go to the Minnesota Department of Health’s website and the Center for Disease Control website. For some additional resources, check out these websites:
Thank you for your patience and understanding as we create a path forward to continue to carry our our mission while working to protect our staff, volunteers and people in our community.
As the Coronavirus continues to spread in Minnesota, and with deep concern for the health of our staff, volunteers and the people we serve, NAMI Minnesota is taking actions in line with the recommendations of Governor Walz and the Minnesota Department of Health. We know that we need to play our part in preventing the spread of COVID-19. Reducing social contact now can slow the spread and prevent our health care system from being overwhelmed.
The NAMI Minnesota office will largely be operating remotely. The help line will continue to operate but please know that people will need to leave a message and it may take longer to return your call.
We will be moving many support groups and classes to an online format.
Support groups will be virtual with a choice of two different systems – Zoom or Support Group Central. Information on how to access the online support groups will be on our website sometime on Monday. Most in-person classes are cancelled, but please check our website to see if they are being offered online.
NAMI Minnesota made the decision to suspend all in-person support groups until April 17, possibly longer. This was done out of health and safety concerns for everyone. Support group leaders have been made aware of this, and several have stepped forward to help lead virtual support group sessions. These session are set up via Zoom so anyone can access them by either phone or internet. Again, you do not need a computer or internet to access these groups. You can also call in to the sessions.
The link below will show you all scheduled virtual support groups at this time. Please note, this changes almost every hour as the situation is rapidly changing. What you see right now will change by the end of the day. That is why we are encouraging you to post a link to these support groups on your website rather than sending out a PDF.
https://namimn.org/support/nami-minnesota-support-groups/
We are very concerned about the mental health of the people we serve and the greater community. This is a very trying time. If you have questions about COVID-19, call the Department of Health at 651-201-3920 or 1-800-657-3903 from 7 am - 7 pm every day of the week.
If you are:
- Unsure about attending therapy sessions outside the home, especially people who are at higher risk, ask your health care provider about telemedicine or online mental health services. More clinics may move to virtual visits to limit exposure.
- Worried about access to prescribed medications, you can ask your health care provider about getting 90-day supplies vs. a 60 or 30-day supply. If this is not possible, we encourage you to refill your medications as soon as they are allowed.
- Worried about your mental health:
- Call the warm line at 651-288-0400 or text “Support” to 85511 or call 844-739-6369
- Call the local crisis team at **CRISIS or click here for the county numbers
- Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
- Use the Crisis Lifeline by texting MN to 741741
- Call the SAMHSA Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990
It’s also important to know that visits to inpatient mental health units may be curtailed, so find alternative ways to stay connected.
Because people with mental illnesses have higher smoking rates, they are at a higher risk, so calling the mental health crisis team in order to avoid going to the ER is a good option. As more people may experience anxiety and panic attacks, be sure to call your primary care clinic or the crisis team for help.
Lastly, take care of yourself. We know people are feeling overwhelmed and increasingly anxious. Remember that knowledge is power and don’t accept everything that you hear or read. Go to trusted sites such as the CDC or the Minnesota Department of Health. And limit the amount of time you spend watching or listening to the news.
While we are supposed to socially isolate ourselves to prevent the COVID-19 from spreading, we don’t need to emotionally isolate ourselves. Check in with people you care about or neighbors who don’t have close family or friends by calling, emailing or connecting on social media. Keep a routine, eat healthy and take a walk. Download the apps that help with anxiety such as Calm or Headspace. Listen to calming music.
By doing what we can to minimize the spread of COVID-19 and by supporting each other, we will make it through this difficult time. NAMI Minnesota will continue to keep you updated as this situation evolves and share more information as things change. Please check our website for any updates about support groups, classes and the office and again, for the most accurate and up-to-date sources of information go to the Minnesota Department of Health’s website and the Center for Disease Control website. For some additional resources, check out these websites:
- CDC Mental Health and Coping During COVID-19
- The Jed Foundation Tips for Self-Care and Managing Stress
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Taking Care of Your Behavioral Health: Tips for Social Distancing, Quarantine, and Isolation During an Infectious Disease Outbreak
- SAMHSA Coping With Stress During Infectious Disease Outbreaks
- The National Child Traumatic Stress Network Parent/Caregiver Guide to Helping Families Cope with the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (English, Spanish, and Chinese versions available).
- Child Mind Institute Talking to Kids About the Coronavirus
Thank you for your patience and understanding as we create a path forward to continue to carry our our mission while working to protect our staff, volunteers and people in our community.
Come to NAMI Hennepin
A place where the seeds of mental health advocacy have taken root and are growing!
NAMI Hennepin is an affiliate of the National Alliance on
Mental Illnesses (NAMI) in Washington D.C. and of NAMI Minnesota.
We are a non-profit, volunteer run agency. Our purpose is to help people with mental illness live satisfying lives and support families in supporting recovery. We engage in Support, Education, and Advocacy for people with mental illness and their families in Hennepin County, Minnesota.
A place where the seeds of mental health advocacy have taken root and are growing!
NAMI Hennepin is an affiliate of the National Alliance on
Mental Illnesses (NAMI) in Washington D.C. and of NAMI Minnesota.
We are a non-profit, volunteer run agency. Our purpose is to help people with mental illness live satisfying lives and support families in supporting recovery. We engage in Support, Education, and Advocacy for people with mental illness and their families in Hennepin County, Minnesota.
Next board meeting...
Board meetings are the 2nd Monday of each month at:
Bethlehem Lutheran Church,
4100 Lyndale Ave S, Minneapolis.
We meet from 6:30pm-8:30pm.
We also have Advocacy and Outreach Committees.
Get in touch if you'd like to attend one of these monthly meetings.
Questions? Email NAMIHennepin@gmail.com.
Bethlehem Lutheran Church,
4100 Lyndale Ave S, Minneapolis.
We meet from 6:30pm-8:30pm.
We also have Advocacy and Outreach Committees.
Get in touch if you'd like to attend one of these monthly meetings.
Questions? Email NAMIHennepin@gmail.com.
NAMI Hennepin
PO Box 24633 | MPLS, MN | 55424
612-424-1823 (Voicemail) | NAMIHennepinCounty@gmail.com
NAMI Minnesota (State Office): namimn.org or 651-645-2948
PO Box 24633 | MPLS, MN | 55424
612-424-1823 (Voicemail) | NAMIHennepinCounty@gmail.com
NAMI Minnesota (State Office): namimn.org or 651-645-2948
