NAMI Sonoma County

⚖️ CARE Court in Sonoma County: An Update & Conversation
🗓️ Join us on Zoom or in person on Monday, July 27, 2026, 6:00-7:15 PM!

NAMI Sonoma County welcomes Lynne Stark-Slater, Chief Deputy Public Defender, Sonoma County Public Defender’s Office. Learn about CARE Court and its role in connecting people with serious mental health issues to services. To attend in person, please email [email protected], to reserve your seat. To attend via Zoom, please register at namisoco.org/talks to receive the Zoom meeting link.

Despite growing awareness, mental health systems often fail to meet LGBTQ+ needs. Many providers lack cultural competency or training, and some patients fear being judged or misunderstood. Finding LGBTQ+ affirming care can make a significant difference in recovery and well-being. This , learn more about challenges and support in the LGBTQ+ community: namica.org/2025/06/04/mental-health-in-the-lgbtq-community-challenges-support-and-strength

Discover. Understand. Empower.
Free activities for grades K-8 that help young people build emotional awareness and coping skills.
Download today: nami.org/MeInMind

Recent research indicates that members of the LGBTQ+ community are at a higher risk for experiencing mental health conditions, due to challenges unique to this community: lack of acceptance from families, denial of civil and human rights, and cultural conditions are a few things that can negatively impact mental health conditions.
Finding and creating communities of support are important for everyone. For the LGBTQ+ communities, support systems that foster intersectionality with acceptance and shared lived experiences are absolutely critical. Here are a few resources to help you or your loved ones continue that journey towards self-love and supportive communities.
As hashtag comes to an end, please share so those in need can learn of these resources

What does it really mean to live with schizophrenia?
In this new episode of Hope Starts With Us, Kody Green - motivational speaker, mental health advocate, author, and content creator - joins NAMI CEO Daniel H. Gillison, Jr. to discuss his journey from diagnosis and incarceration to advocacy, recovery, and helping others feel less alone.
Together, they explore the realities of living with schizophrenia, misconceptions surrounding serious mental illness, and the power of sharing your story.
🎧 Listen now: https://bit.ly/4f0zi6Z 🔗

What does it really mean to live with schizophrenia?

In this new episode of Hope Starts With Us, Kody Green - motivational speaker, mental health advocate, author, and content creator - joins NAMI CEO Daniel H. Gillison, Jr. to discuss his journey from diagnosis and incarceration to advocacy, recovery, and helping others feel less alone.

Together, they explore the realities of living with schizophrenia, misconceptions surrounding serious mental illness, and the power of sharing your story.

🎧 Listen now: https://bit.ly/4f0zi6Z 🔗

If you or someone you know lives with schizophrenia and takes antipsychotics, it helps to be informed. Learn what you need to know about long-acting injectables (LAIs), how they differ from daily pills, and how to talk with providers about considering LAIs as a treatment option.

https://mailchi.mp/namisoco.org/learn-about-long-acting-injectables-lais

When you are your true, authentic self, the world is a brighter place. 🌎🌟

Share this with someone who brings light into your life! 💙

🎨 Artwork by Wednesday Holmes

We love a good iced coffee to start the day before heading out to read by the pool. But with summer temps heating up, here's your reminder to drink some water after that iced coffee, and to repost these safety tips that can help protect your mental and physical health this summer.

💬 Share Your Feedback!

As a NAMI affiliate, we exist to help families and individuals affected by mental illness to build better lives through education, support, awareness, and advocacy. As we begin an assessment of how well our programs serve Sonoma County and what our programs may be missing, we would sincerely appreciate hearing your thoughts.
Take the survey here: https://tinyurl.com/3d6jw9ft