Our Annual Conference Is Going Virtual!
August 5, 2020
In light of health and safety concerns surrounding COVID-19, we have elected to hold our annual conference in a virtual format. The annual conference will be held on November 20th and is open to anyone! Our annual meeting, open to NAMI members will be held the following day, November 21st. We will be releasing a schedule and registration link soon!
more » Read MoreHow Someone With A Mental Health Condition Can Qualify For Social Security Disability Benefits
If you have a mental health condition that limits your ability to perform routine daily tasks and keeps you from performing work to earn a living, you may qualify for disability benefits administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA). The SSA has two disability programs, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). Both programs have strict medical requirements for a claim to be approved.
SSDI vs. SSI
SSDI is a disability program based off your work history.
more » Read MoreWelcome to NAMI Iowa’s 2020 Summer Interns
Hello!
My name is Emily Nelson (she/her), and I’m working with NAMI Iowa this summer as their Communication and Events Intern. Although I’m originally from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, I’m a rising junior here in Des Moines at Drake University where I’m majoring in both Public Relations and Strategic Political Communications with a concentration in Women and Gender Studies.
During my time at Drake, you can find me singing in the Drake Choir,
more » Read MoreNAMI’s Statement On Recent Racist Incidents and Mental Health Resources for African Americans
NAMI.org
5/29/2020
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) today released the following statement from CEO Daniel H. Gillison, Jr., regarding recent racist incidents across the country and their impact on mental health:
“The effect of racism and racial trauma on mental health is real and cannot be ignored. The disparity in access to mental health care in communities of color cannot be ignored. The inequality and lack of cultural competency in mental health treatment cannot be ignored.
more » Read MoreWelcome Ashley Parker!
Ashley Parker (she/her/hers) is NAMI Iowa’s new Provider Program Coordinator, where she’ll be working towards developing and strengthening NAMI’s relationships with Iowa academic institutions, health systems, clinics, government entities, and nonprofits to market NAMI Provider training and recruit and train new Provider teachers.
Prior to joining the NAMI Iowa staff, Ashley worked in the Iowa 2020 Caucuses and as a HIV Prevention Specialist for a non profit community health center, providing health education, testing and counseling services.
more » Read MoreNAMI Iowa Praises Governor for Emphasis on Mental Health Funding In Condition of the State
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DES MOINES, Iowa – The executive director of the state’s leading mental health advocacy organization praised Gov. Kim Reynolds’ mention of creating a “dedicated and stable source” of funding for adult and children’s mental health services during her Condition of the State address today.
“I was encouraged to hear again the governor’s care and concern for the tens of thousands of Iowans affected by mental illness, many of whom are now unable to get appropriate help,” said Peggy Huppert.
more » Read More