May 1-7 is Tardive Dyskinesia (TD) Awareness Week

April 30, 2023 by Nova Getz

This Mental Health Awareness Month, we are proud to recognize May 1-7, 2023, as Tardive Dyskinesia (TD) Awareness Week to help increase awareness and support people living with this burdensome condition.

***Click the image above to download informational resources.***

TD is an involuntary movement disorder that is characterized by uncontrollable, abnormal, and repetitive movements of the face, torso, and/or other body parts.^1-4 TD is associated with prolonged use of certain mental health medicines (anti-psychotics) that can be used to treat bipolar disorder, depression, schizophrenia, and schizoaffective disorder.^3,4 TD affects approximately 600,000 people in the U.S.^1,5

Specifically, approximately 822,000 adults in Maryland are living with a mental illness, and many people with a mental illness may also have TD.^7,8

The uncontrollable movements of TD can impact patients physically, socially, and emotionally.⁹ It can impact one’s ability to work, drive, button a shirt, eat, or even hold a cup of coffee.^9,10 TD can exacerbate feelings of vulnerability, embarrassment, and frustration and add to the overall disease burden for the those living with the condition.^4,9-11

If you or someone you love is showing symptoms of Tardive Dyskinesia, you are not alone, and help is available. Click the button below to download more information, and even a guide to help you start a conversation with your doctor to get treatment.

Click Here for Printable Resources

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A Look at Our Impact in 2021

October 29, 2021 by Nova Getz

We are so grateful to everyone who joined our virtual Annual Meeting and Awards Ceremony and made it a night to remember. It was a great year for NAMI Metro Baltimore. Learn more by reading our full annual report.

Click the image above to read our full Annual Report.

During the Annual Meeting and Awards Ceremony, we reflected on our impact from the last year, engaged in an insightful discussion with our esteemed panelists about mental health and the workforce, and recognized professionals and community members who go above and beyond to support the mental health of our fellow Baltimoreans.

Couldn’t make it to the live event? You can catch the recording on YouTube by clicking the play button, below!

For any questions, please contact info@namibaltimore.org or call our HelpLine during weekdays from 9am – 5pm at (410) 435-2600.

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Pregunte al Experto, 15 de Octubre

October 11, 2021 by Nova Getz

On Friday, October 15th, we’ll be joining our friends at Johns Hopkins University’s Centro SOL and Fortalece tu Bienestar for a Facebook Live conversation about mental health in the LatinX community.

We’ll be joined by experts Cecilia Suarez, Omaira Mejija Castano, and Aida Pinto Medina as they discuss the importance of reaching out for support if you are experiencing depression, anxiety, or other symptoms that indicate an underlying mental illness.

No registration is required! Simply join by visiting our Facebook Page at noon, on Friday, October 15th!

Jump to Our Facebook

This conversation will be held in Spanish!

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CASTING CALL: Youth Mental Health Video Series

November 22, 2023 by Nova Getz

NAMI Metro Baltimore is developing a series of youth mental health videos geared towards ending the stigma around mental illness through story-telling and normalizing conversations about mental health and mental illness. The series will mimic the NAMI In Our Own Voice presentation, created by NAMI National and implemented by NAMI affiliates all over the country. Our hope is that this new program will resonate with young people in this critical time where 1 in 3 young adults experience anxiety or depression.

We are currently looking for 5-7 young adults between the ages of 18 – 24 who are comfortable being on camera sharing their mental health journey for the educational video series aimed at shattering stigma in schools and the community at large, right here in Baltimore. Compensation is $300 for 2 days on set.

To be considered, please visit bit.ly/bmoremhcastingcall and fill out the application form.

Thank you so much for your interest in supporting mental health education!

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November Community Partner Brunch Over Blues

October 11, 2023 by Nova Getz

We’re calling on our schools, faith leaders, and local community support services in West Baltimore to join us!

In this space we will share resources and discuss ways we can support each other/ communities we serve during the holidays. We understand that holiday blues is real, and it impacts many people in different ways, so in partnership with Bon Secours Community Resource Center, NAMI Metro Baltimore is bringing everyone together in one space to talk about it.

This is the space to share business cards, resources, useful information, and network!

RSVP on this page so we can have brunch hot and ready for you on November 16th!

Click Here to Register

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Our 2023 Annual Report

October 10, 2023 by Nova Getz

Fiscal Year 2023 was a great year for NAMI Metro Baltimore and for reaching a record number of community members here in Baltimore! Learn more by reading our full annual report.

We were also thrilled to officially unveil our new Annual Theme, Bridging the Gap, at our recent Annual Meeting and Award Ceremony, and for the in-depth panel conversation that featured how NAMI Metro Baltimore meets the changing needs of our community. As we continue to work with partner organizations to identify the gaps in resources and available supports in the community, we’re proud to be launching and building new programs like Compartiendo Esperanza and Sharing Hope, aimed to support Baltimore’s historically under-served communities.

Couldn’t make it to the live event? Catch the recording on YouTube by clicking the play button, below!

We’re grateful to all of our volunteers, partners, and teachers who helped make our 40th Anniversary one to remember.

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Black & Blues: Mental Health in the Pews

October 3, 2023 by Nova Getz

One in five people in Baltimore lives with a mental health condition, yet there is an 11 year delay when it comes to accessing mental health care and treatment. Faith communities are often at the frontlines of providing mental health support, and together we can empower congregations to be prepared to respond with compassion.

This breakfast is a community-driven initiative that embraces and celebrates cultural identity and empowerment. It is a place for Black and African Ancestry people to gather, listen and support each other on the path to mental wellness and healing.

Reserve your free ticket right here on EventBrite to join us to learn, connect, and make a difference!

Click Here to Register

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Join our 2023 Annual Meeting & Awards Ceremony on September 27th!

September 1, 2023 by Nova Getz

Join us for an inspiring event where we’ll reflect upon the remarkable strides we’ve made over the years, celebrate local mental health heroes who have gone above and beyond in supporting our community’s mental health, and provide an update on who NAMI Metro Baltimore is today with a panel conversation on how we’re Bridging the Gap, led by WJZ reporter Dennis Valera and featuring a few community partners driving change in Baltimore.

RSVP Today: Your presence at this event is invaluable to us as we celebrate our journey and envision a future where mental health care is accessible to all. To ensure your spot, please RSVP using the following link: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_TkX0FCelSPSpjnVTRkljmA

Let’s come together to honor the progress we’ve made, acknowledge the challenges that lie ahead, and ignite a collective commitment to bridging the gap in mental health care access in Baltimore.

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Stickers All Over Baltimore for Mental Health!

May 1, 2023 by Nova Getz

NAMI Metro Baltimore is raising awareness about mental health all over Baltimore City and Baltimore County! We’ve created a batch of stickers to put up in public places, to let people know that free, accessible mental health support is available if people need it.

There will be prizes for the top 3 people who find and post the most stickers to social! Help us raise awareness when you post to a picture of stickers you find and tag NAMI Metro Baltimore on social media!

The competition will end on May 30th, and we will contact the winner to coordinate where to send the prize. For questions, please contact Nova at ngetz@namibaltimore.org.

Thank you for helping spread the word this Mental Health Awareness Month!

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Now Enrolling August 2023 Education Classes

April 25, 2023 by Nova Getz

NAMI Metro Baltimore’s Signature education classes provide invaluable information and support for people living with mental health conditions and their family members.

NAMI Peer-to-Peer is an 8-week course for individuals with mental health conditions. NAMI Family-to-Family is an 8-week course for family members and loved ones of an adult living with a mental health condition.

NAMI Peer-to-Peer

NAMI Peer-to-Peer is a free, 8-session education program for adults who are looking to better understand their mental health condition and journey toward recovery. Taught by a trained team of people who’ve been there, the program includes presentations, discussion and interactive exercises.

What You’ll Gain

NAMI Peer-to-Peer will help you:

Create a personalized relapse prevention plan
Learn how to interact with health care providers
Develop confidence for making decisions and reducing stress
Understand the impact of symptoms on your life
Access Baltimore-area resources to assist you in maintaining your journey toward recovery.

Register for a Class

NAMI Peer-to-Peer is offered in person at South West Partnership. Space is limited and advanced registration is required.

NAMI Peer-to-Peer
Dates: Mondays, August 28th – October 23rd | 7pm – 9pm

To register, click here or contact our HelpLine at (410) 435-2600 or email info@namibaltimore.org

Click Here to Register

NAMI Family-to-Family

NAMI Family-to-Family is a free, 8-session educational program for family, significant others and friends of people living with mental illness. It is a designated evidence-based program that includes presentations, discussion and interactive exercises. Research shows that the program significantly improves the coping and problem-solving abilities of the people closest to an individual living with a mental health condition.

What You’ll Gain

NAMI Family-to-Family provides critical information and strategies for taking care of the person you love.

In the program, you’ll learn about:

How to manage crises, solve problems and communicate effectively
Taking care of yourself and managing your stress
Developing the confidence and stamina to provide support with compassion
Finding and using local supports and services
Up-to-date information on mental health conditions and how they affect the brain
Current treatments, including evidence-based therapies, medications and side effects
The impact of mental illness on the entire family

Register for a Class

Dates: Tuesdays, August 29th – October 25th from 7pm – 9pm

To register, click here or contact our HelpLine at (410) 435-2600 or email info@namibaltimore.org.

Click Here to Register

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NAMI Faith Leader Mental Health Conference on May 4th

April 20, 2023 by Nova Getz

Thursday, May 4th | 9am – 3pm

We’re excited to partner with Morgan CARES to bring community Faith Leaders together for a day of learning and discussion. Join us as we hear from leaders in our community about how mental health shows up in our congregations, and how faith and spiritual leaders have an essential role in providing first-line support and care to people living with mental health conditions and their families.

During our Faith Conference, we will engage in meaningful conversation with panelists from PAAVE and Roberta’s House, breakout sessions and in-depth discussion. NAMI Metro Baltimore also will share an invaluable resource for attendees to take home and use in your daily practice, should someone approach you about their mental health.

NAMI Metro Baltimore is also proud to launch a new program, Compartiendo Esperanza, as one break out session offered during the conference. This session, intended to introduce our Spanish-speaking population to our anti-stigma presentations, will be offered in Spanish. Should translation services be required to enjoy the rest of the conference, please notify us.

Each ticket reserves one seat and one meal per attendee.

We hope to see you there! RSVP by clicking the button below.

Click Here to RSVP

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LOUDER 2023

April 14, 2023 by Nova Getz

Tuesday, April 18th | 5:30pm – 7:30pm

It’s time to get LOUDER! Join NAMI Metro Baltimore for cocktails, entertainment, food, and fun as we raise our voices and elevate the conversation about mental health in Baltimore.

You’ll get to hear stories from our honorees Monica Mitchell, Senior Vice President of Wells Fargo Foundation and Brown Advisory, accepted by Michael Hankin, President & CEO. In addition, Towson University will be recognized for its commitment to providing mental health resources on campus during NAMI Metro’s #IWillListen week. At our 2022 inaugural event, nearly 200 people representing 55 corporations came together to network, celebrate, and bring awareness to this important cause.

All proceeds from LOUDER tickets and the silent auction will support NAMI Metro Baltimore’s mission to end the stigma around mental health and provide free support and education services to our community.

Get Your LOUDER Ticket

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