NAMI-Metropolitan Baltimore, Inc. is dedicated to empowering consumers of mental health services and their family members through education, support, advocacy and information. We educate law enforcement, mental health providers and other community groups through personal experience. We confront and attempt to eradicate the stigma associated with mental illness. We also advocate for improved services in the mental health system as well as support research and program evaluation.

Description:
We offer free educational programs and support groups for both consumers of mental health services and their family members. We provide free reference materials and newsletters on various topics such as, "Bipolar Disorder" and "Navigating the Criminal Justice System." We offer a helpline 40 hours a week, free monthly lectures, over 60 outreach workshops throughout the year and much more. We are unique because we offer programs that are run by peers-- ie. family members and consumers are trained to run programs and support groups for other family members and consumers.

History:
NAMI-Metropolitan Baltimore Inc. is the local affiliate responsible for Baltimore City and Baltimore County. Its predecessor organization was incorporated in 1983. At that time, the organization was operated by a small group of dedicated founding members and volunteers, who conducted peer support groups, advocacy, and informational programs for families of persons with mental illness. Since then, the organization has continuously expanded its support groups, educational workshops, and other programs. Today, we have three full-time staff members, a few part-time hourly workers and approximately 300 volunteers. Recently, we were named the most outstanding local affiliate for 2004 by NAMI `s national board of directors.

Contact people:

Stacey Harrison, Outreach Project Coordinator, (phone), (email) Kate Farinholt, Executive Director, (phone), (email)

Address:

5210 York Road Baltimore, MD 21212 (See a map)

Directions:

DIRECTIONS FROM THE SOUTH Take I-95 NORTH towards BALTIMORE Take the I-395 NORTH exit, exit number 53, towards DOWNTOWN. 0.5 miles I-395 N becomes S HOWARD ST. 0.2 miles Turn RIGHT onto W PRATT ST. 0.6 miles Turn LEFT onto S GAY ST. 0.4 miles Turn. . . (more)   Nearest Bus Stop: #8, 5 minute walk