NAMI Cumberland, Harnett, and Lee Counties

Overview

NAMI Cumberland, Harnett, and Lee Counties is a local affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), a U.S.-based nonprofit organization. This affiliate serves the communities in Cumberland, Harnett, and Lee counties in North Carolina, providing support, education, advocacy, and resources to families, friends, and individuals affected by mental illness.

Mission

The mission of NAMI Cumberland, Harnett, and Lee Counties aligns with the broader goals of NAMI: to improve the lives of individuals and families affected by mental illness through education, support, and advocacy. They aim to create a community that supports mental health recovery and reduces stigma around mental illness.

Services and Activities

• Education and Support: The organization offers free mental health support, online groups, and educational resources to help manage mental health conditions and improve quality of life for affected individuals and their families.
• Community Engagement: They engage in community events and meetings to promote awareness and understanding of mental illness, facilitating dialogue and support among those affected.
• Advocacy: NAMI Cumberland, Harnett, and Lee Counties advocates for policies and practices that enhance mental health services and support systems in the local community.

History

As a local chapter of NAMI, this organization's history traces back to the founding principles of NAMI in 1979 by Harriet Shetler and Beverly Young. These women, who had sons diagnosed with schizophrenia, aimed to combat the stigma and lack of support for mental illness and its impact on families.

Impact

NAMI Cumberland, Harnett, and Lee Counties plays a vital role in supporting individuals in their community by providing resources and platforms for discussion and understanding. Their work contributes to a broader aim of creating a society that supports mental health recovery and rejects stigma around mental illness.