DAVENPORT, IA:  July 28, 2015 -- The National Alliance on Mental Illness of the Greater Mississippi Valley (NAMI GMV) is pleased to offer 2 opportunities to participate in the Family-to-Family Education Program this fall:

In Davenport:

NAMI GMV Office

1706 Brady St, Suite 101

- 12 Wednesdays -

September 2–November 18, 2015

6pm–8:30pm

Davenport class participants must register through the NAMI GMV Office: 563-322-8870

In Muscatine:

Muscatine Comm. College

152 Colorado St.

- 12 Thursdays -

September 10 -December 3, 2015

6pm–8:30pm

Muscatine class participants must register through the college: 563-288-6100; Reference Course#: 159532

The NAMI Family-to-Family Education Program is a FREE 12-session course taught by other family members who have a loved one dealing with the challenges of living with a mental illness.  These family members receive intensive training from the class presentation.  Instruction and course materials are provided FREE to class participants.

Class topics include :

• Current information about schizophrenia, major depression, bipolar disorder (manic depression), panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder.

• borderline personality disorder, and co-occurring brain disorders and addictive disorders.

• Up-to-date information about medications, side effects, and strategies for medication adherence.

• Current research related to the biology of brain disorders and evidence-based treatments to promote recovery.

• Gaining empathy by understanding the subjective, lived experience of a person with mental illness.

• Problem solving, listening, and communication techniques.

• Acquiring strategies for handling mental health crises and relapse.

• Focusing on care for the caregiver: coping with worry, stress, and emotional overload.

• Guidance on locating appropriate supports and services within the community.

• Information on advocacy initiatives designed to improve and expand mental health services.

Testimonials:

"I was empowered by the education I received in the Family To Family program offered by NAMI.  I also found peace in knowing our family was not alone in this battle of mental illness."   Laurie E., Bettendorf, IA

"For families to advocate for their loved one, they must be knowledgeable; Family to Family offers up to date information that is invaluable when helping their loved one cope with the journey that is mental illness."

Jamie Kreuger - Davenport, IA

"Taking the NAMI Family to Family Class in the fall of 2005 empowered me to help my son struggling with schizophrenia in ways I would never have dreamed possible."

Suzanne Wiese - Davenport, IA

About NAMI

NAMI is the nation's largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness. NAMI advocates for access to services, treatment, supports and research and is steadfast in its commitment to raising awareness and building a community of hope.

http://www.namigmv.org (Local)

http://www.nami.org (National)

http://www.namiiowa.com (NAMI Iowa)

NAMI Schedules New 2015 Programs

DAVENPORT, Iowa (November 13, 2014) - The National Alliance on Mental Illness Greater Mississippi Valley affiliate (NAMI) has received four grants to support an expanded program schedule for Rock Island County.

NAMI has received grants from the following Rock Island County-based foundations: The Doris and Victor Day Foundation - $5,000; Rauch Family Foundation I - $2,000; Rock Island Community Foundation - $2,500; and The Moline Foundation - $1,000. These grant dollars will be used for program coordination and outreach for referrals to new classes.

NAMI continues its Family-to-Family education programs with a spring class scheduled March 3 to May 18, 2015, at Black Hawk College, Moline. For a complete list of 2015 programs and for registration information, please visit www.namigmv.org.

NAMI provides free education and support programs to individuals and families living with mental illness. It serves residents within in Muscatine, Clinton, Scott Counties in Iowa and Mercer, Henry, Rock Island Counties in Illinois. NAMI programs are nationally-developed and designed to educate persons about the biology of mental illness, latest research, treatment options, as well as coping and communication skills important for supporting their loved one's recovery.

About NAMI Greater Mississippi Valley

One in10 children and one in four adults experience a mental health disorder in any given year. Half of all lifetime cases of mental illness begin by the age of 14. NAMI Greater Mississippi Valley is an affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness. This grassroots organization complements the work of mental health professionals by providing support, education and advocacy to individuals and families living with mental illness. NAMI works cooperatively through the Quad Cities Community Mental Health Initiative, serving residents in Muscatine, Clinton, Scott Counties in Iowa and Mercer, Henry, Rock Island Counties in Illinois.  Additional information is available at 563-322-8870 or www.namigmv.org.

###

Free NAMI Basics Class Supports Parents of Children living with Mental Illness

DAVENPORT, Iowa (September 19, 2014) - Local civic groups and foundations have provided grants to the National Alliance on Mental Illness Greater Mississippi Valley affiliate.  Iowa 80 Group Go Iowa Fund, Davenport Jaycees, and North Scott Rotary each granted NAMI $1,000 each for the launch of a nationally-developed program in the Quad Cities designed to educate parents and caregivers of children and adolescents living with mental illness.

NAMI Basics is taught by nationally-trained parents or other primary caregivers who have lived similar experiences with their own children. This free class allows families to connect to one another while learning about the biology of mental illness, latest research and treatment options. Parents learn communication and coping skills important for supporting their child's recovery.

NAMI Basics class will be offered on six Wednesdays, October 1 to November 5, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at Eastern Iowa Community College Urban Center in Davenport. To register call 563-441-4100 with course number 143212.

About NAMI Greater Mississippi Valley

One in10 children and one in four adults experience a mental health disorder in any given year. Half of all lifetime cases of mental illness begin by the age of 14. NAMI Greater Mississippi Valley is an affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness. This grassroots organization complements the work of mental health professionals by providing support, education and advocacy to individuals and families living with mental illness. NAMI works cooperatively through the Quad Cities Community Mental Health Initiative, serving residents in Muscatine, Clinton, Scott Counties in Iowa and Mercer, Henry, Rock Island Counties in Illinois.  Additional information is available at 563-322-8870 or www.namigmv.org.

###