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NAMI-Northern
Virginia
1820 Michael
Faraday Drive Reston,
VA 20190
InfoLine: (703) 525-0686 Website: http://www.naminova.org/ email: |
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Who
We Are - -
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COMBINED FEDERAL CAMPAIGN (CFC) NO. 6001
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We are
an Affiliate of
NAMI
and of
NAMI-Virginia |
Who We Are
NAMI-Northern Virginia is an organization of people with personal knowledge of the anguish and suffering of mental illness. We are the individuals with mental illness (consumers of mental health services), their families, friends and other interested persons. We are linked with other support organizations throughout Virginia and the United States. We are affiliated with NAMI-Virginia and NAMI, a nation-wide organization with affiliates in every state.
We are dedicated to improvement in the care, treatment and quality of life of those affected with serious mental illness by providing:
| SUPPORT | |||
| ADVOCACY | |||
| EDUCATION | |||
| COOPERATION |
SOME FACTS ABOUT MENTAL ILLNESS
· Mental illnesses are biologically based brain disorders. They cannot be overcome through "will power" and are not related to a person's "character" or intelligence.
· Mental illnesses strike individuals in the prime of their lives, often during adolescence and young adulthood. All ages are susceptible, but the young and the old are especially vulnerable.
· Early identification and treatment is of vital importance. By getting people the treatment they need early, recovery is accelerated and the brain is protected from further harm related to the course of illness.
· The best treatments for serious mental illnesses today are highly effective. Between 70 and 90 percent of individuals have significant reduction of symptoms and improved quality of life through a combination of pharmacological and psychosocial treatments and supports.
SUPPORT
NAMI-NoVA offers understanding, encouragement and mutual support to all who are faced with a serious mental illness of their own or of a loved one. This includes people of all ages: children, adolescents and adults. We seek to stay well-informed about all aspects of mental illness, e.g. medical research, the legal rights of patients and their families, medical insurance, hospital admission and discharge practices, and community resources such as housing, employment and wellness support.
Our goal is to open opportunities for consumers in the community through education and support network services and to help our members develop the understanding, skills and strengths they need to cope with mental illness.
ADVOCACY
NAMI-NoVA serves as an advocate for those who suffer from or live with mental illness by bringing their problems and perspectives to the attention of local, state, and federal government (legislative and executive) and by pressing for improvements in the care of individuals with mental illness.
Our goals are to improve and expand existing services and facilities, public and private, including innovative research, treatment, rehabilitation and community support programs for consumers of mental health services.
EDUCATION
NAMI-NoVA offers a Family to Family education program that is invaluable to people who have family members affected by mental illness.
We also work with other concerned groups to educate the public about mental illness. We seek to replace the stigma now associated with this group of illnesses by increasing public awareness, understanding and support for individuals with mental illness.
COOPERATION
NAMI-NoVA acts as a constructive critic and monitor of private and government providers of mental health services in an effort to make these services more effective and relevant to the practical problems of consumers.
Our goal is to find ways to bring families and providers closer together by sharing insights and techniques beneficial to both--specifically to:
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Cooperate with
providers of services to consumers, identifying professionals willing to work
with families as allies. Monitor and comment on the performance of providers.
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Promote a
continuum of support services in the community including appropriate housing,
income maintenance, low-stress employment and training, a social network,
medical services, day programs and effective coordination of these services.
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Support
improved hospital and treatment facilities as part of the same continuum of
services.
·
Monitor
research into the physiological, neurological, biochemical and genetic aspects
of chronic mental illness that could point to the causes, treatment, and
prevention.
SUPPORT GROUPS
NAMI-NoVA helps concerned Virginia consumers and families to start and maintain self-help/support/advocacy groups in their neighborhoods. Our members find solace and assistance in coping with mental illness by sharing experiences and information in group meetings. Meetings are held in an atmosphere of fellowship and understanding. Advice and counsel are offered from the collective experiences of the group.
For the date, time and location of regular meetings of a support group in your area, call our InfoLine or consult our newsletter or website.
ACTIVITIES
GENERAL MEETING held the fourth Monday of each month
(except July, August, December)
Location: First Christian Church, 6165 Leesburg Pike (Route 7), Falls
Church, VA 22044
Time: 7:00 p.m. 9:00 p.m.
INDIVIDUAL GROUP MEETINGS held at various times and locations throughout Northern Virginia. Call the InfoLine or consult the newsletter or website for information.
FAMILY TO FAMILY EDUCATION a free 12-week course providing knowledge about serious mental illnesses and skills family members need to cope more effectively with the illness that has entered their lives.
NEWSLETTER published nine times per year, providing subscribers with current mental health information affecting consumers.
InfoLine 24-hour answering machine with responses provided by volunteers within days.
ORGANIZATION
MEMBERS the beneficiaries of the organization,
also forming the core source of volunteers when they are able. Membership includes National and Virginia
NAMI.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS -- meets monthly to consider and review proposed programs and ongoing
activities of the organization.
OFFICERS carry out day to day activities to
advance the agreed programs and objectives and report monthly to the board of
directors.
VOLUNTEERS carry out the work of this
organization in such areas as the InfoLine; newsletter; housing; employment;
advocacy to the public and government; support groups; public awareness; and
policy development.
More volunteers are needed. Prospective volunteers are urged to attend our General Meeting, or contact us by phone or email.
NATIONAL
ORGANIZATION
NAMI
Colonial Place Three, Suite 300
2107 Wilson Boulevard
Arlington, Virginia 22201
Courthouse Metro Stop
NAMI is a nonprofit, grassroots, self-help, support and advocacy organization of consumers, families, and friends of people with severe mental illnesses, such as schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic and other severe anxiety disorders, autism and pervasive developmental disorders, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and other severe and persistent mental illnesses that affect the brain.
To Join NAMI-NoVa CLICK HERE
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