NAMI Orange County is a tax-exempt, non-profit organization with a membership of over 400 and is an affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and NAMI California
NAMI Orange County conducts free educational programs, meetings and support groups throughout the entire county addressing every aspect of mental health. Please take a few minutes to browse through our web site to learn more about our many free programs, educational meetings, support groups and advocacy we provide for those families and clients dealing with the affects of mental illness.
NAMI Orange County publishes an electronic newsletter "E-News" called "The Bridge Builder" providing the latest local, state, and national news.
NAMI Orange County works tirelessly to educate the community in an effort to reduce the stigma attached to mental illness.
NAMI Orange County a volunteer based non-profit organization, is the leading self-help organization in the County for families and friends of those suffering from serious mental disorders. Founded in 1980, NAMI Orange County offers family support groups, advocates for legislation, supports research efforts and works to educate the public to reduce stigma. NAMI Orange County, affiliated with NAMI California and the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), receives its funding from its membership and from the community and provides services free to the public.
OUR MISSION
The mission of NAMI Orange County is to provide emotional support, education and resources for families, and those affected by mental illness. In collaboration with the entire community, we advocate for a life of quality and dignity, one without discrimination, for all those persons affected by this illness.
At NAMI-OC, we define ourselves by the value we can provide to those that need our services. We believe that this website helps support our “value” goal. It is easy to navigate. For any subject you cannot find, please use the “search” feature which will list all the pages on our site that contain the “key word” that you enter into the search box.
What is sometimes forgotten when dealing with people suffering from a mental illness is that they are people, sick and suffering from a disease of the brain. It was not their choice. Mental illness is a disease just like diabetes or cancer. Mental illnesses are quite common. At least 12% - 20% of the people living in Orange County will experience a diagnosable and disabling mental illness each year. Because of stigma and the fact that these diseases can affect cognitive abilities, fewer than one in four people will ever seek any medical or other help. A great number of them commit suicide and those that do not have a life span 25 years shorter than the average American. The impact on the families whose loved ones are affected by these diseases is equally as devastating. NAMI-OC is here to help.
