Community resources
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
NAMI is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization, dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness. There are more than 600 NAMI organizations and affiliates across the country offering an array of free support and educational programs. To find your local NAMI affiliate, click here.
- NAMI Family Support Group: Free, confidential and safe groups of families helping other families who live with mental health challenges by using their collective lived experiences and learned group wisdom.
- NAMI Connection: A weekly recovery support group for people living with mental illness in which people learn from each other’s experiences, share coping strategies and offer encouragement.
Seize The Awkward
Seize The Awkward – Be the Friend Who Listens – offers tools to help you have critical conversations about mental health. Starting a conversation about mental health does not need to be uncomfortable, and it can make all the difference.
- Learn the warning signs of mental illness and know when extra help is needed
- Tap into conversation guides to get you started on the right track
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA)
Mental Health First Aid Training courses are offered by the Bert Nash Center in Lawrence, KS and designed to give you the skills to help someone who may be experiencing a mental health crisis. You’ll learn the warning signs of mental illness and substance use disorders and how to help when needed using a five-step strategy. You’ll also practice what you learn, applying these strategies as if you were helping someone through a panic attack, engaging with someone who may be suicidal or assisting an individual who has overdosed. Public and private classes are available in-person and virtually. Click here to learn more or email MHFA@bertnash.com.
Behind the Smile
Behind the Smile: Healthcare Professional Suicide Prevention offers support and resources specifically for healthcare workers, who are at an elevated risk for suicide. Confidentiality concerns, time constraints, worry about negative ramifications on licensure and the perception that it is taboo to seek mental health care are just some of the barriers to seeking help for healthcare workers. QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) training is available to help you learn how to recognize the warning signs of suicide, offer hope and get help. Contact Tanner Funk, DNP, RN, TFunk@kumc.edu if you would like to attend a class. All classes are conducted live via Teams.
