About NAMI Iowa

The families and members of NAMI Iowa are here to help! We offer understanding to anyone concerned about mental illnesses and the treatment of mental illness.

Mental illnesses are brain disorders that are biologically based medical problems. Untreated, they can cause severe disturbances in thinking, feeling, and relating, which results in substantially diminished capacity for dealing with the ordinary demands of life. Mental illness can affect persons of any age and occur in any family. It is not caused by bad parenting and is not evidence of weakness of character.

Our Vision

We envision a world in which all people affected by mental illness experience resiliency, recovery, and wellness.

Mission

NAMI Iowa catalyzes advocacy, education, support, and public awareness so that all Iowans affected by mental illness can lead better lives.

Our Goals

Advocate at the county, state, and national levels for non-discriminatory access to quality healthcare, housing, education, and employment for people with mental illness.

  • Educate the public about mental illness.
  • Advocate for a comprehensive mental health system that provides practical and timely services for those struggling with mental health.
  • Support those with mental illness, their loved ones, and providers.

Further Information or Support

NAMI Iowa’s Information Line and Email

Crisis Lines

NAMI Iowa area crisis line

Iowa Crisis Chat: 1-855-325-4296
Your Life Iowa Support Line: 855-581-8111

NAMI HelpLine (M - F, 10 a.m.–10 p.m., ET.)

800-950-NAMI (6264)

The conference will be held on November 21, 2024, at Embassy Suites, 101 E Locust St, Des Moines, IA 50309.

LEARN MORE AND REGISTER.

The Mental Health Conference features three breakout sessions organized into three themed tracks:

  • Understanding Youth Mental Health: Challenges and Opportunities
  • Reimagining Criminal and Legal Justice Systems: Innovative Practices in Iowa
  • Celebrating Mental Health Peers: The Power of Lived Experience

Our three keynote presentations are:

  • "Shining Light on Mental Illness in the Criminal Justice System: Overlooked Stories and Opportunities for Change" Shannon Scully, Director of Justice and Policy Initiatives, NAMI National
  • "Navigating the Cave: Mental Health as an Adventure" Erik Dominguez, Keynote Speaker, Communication Trainer, Public Speaking Coach
  • "In Their Own Words: Iowa Young Adults on the Mental Health System" a panel discussion moderated by Brianna Deason, Lived Experience Advocate

Return to the virtual exhibit hall.