About NAMI Ashtabula

NAMI Ashtabula (National Alliance on Mental Illness of Ashtabula) plays an active role in providing support, education, and advocacy throughout Ashtabula County. NAMI utilizes volunteers to teach classes, facilitate support groups, provide referral services to local resources, and create awareness and understanding of mental illness.

Advocacy

• Enhance state and local efforts to improve services in the community.
• Address issues surrounding children and adolescents diagnosed with mental illness.
• Promote open access to mental health medications.
• Increase awareness about the need for more supportive housing.
• Promote the growth of effective jail diversion and re-entry programs.
• Ensure inclusion of diverse and underserved communities.
• Raise awareness of the need for increased funding for mental health services.
• Focus on Medicaid and Healthcare reform.
• Work to eliminate discrimination against people with brain disorders known as mental illness.

Education

• Family-to-Family Education
• Peer-to-Peer Education is taught by people living with mental illness.
• General presentations for broad-based audiences on mental health from the peer and family perspective.

Support

• Connection Recovery Support Groups facilitated by and for people living with mental illness.
• Family and Caregiver Support Groups are facilitated by and for those close to someone living with a mental illness.
• Helpline for Information and Referrals. (800) 686-2646.

About NAMI Ohio

NAMI Ohio (National Alliance on Mental Illness of Ohio) was created in 1982 by a small, dedicated group of family members to provide mutual support, education, and advocacy for individuals and families affected by serious brain disorders. Over the years, our membership has expanded to include family members, mental health consumers and providers, community mental health boards, mental health organizations, and other supporters.

As a grassroots organization advocating for mental health issues, NAMI Ohio has an outstanding history of affecting public policy and legislation regarding care and resources for persons with serious mental illness. NAMI Ohio members testify before the General Assembly, educate business and education leaders, and sit on state planning and advisory committees, Community Mental Health Boards, and various task forces. NAMI Ohio’s network of 39 local affiliates, serving most of Ohio’s counties, plays an active role in providing support, education, and advocacy on a local level.