The National Alliance on Mental Illness in San Diego is the city’s voice on mental illness. We are part of the grass-roots, non-profit,national NAMI organization founded in 1979 by family members of people with mental illness. We are also an affiliate of NAMI California. We have a threefold mission: Support people with mental illnesses and their families by helping them find coping mechanisms for their daily struggle with brain disorders. Educate people who have mental illness, their families, and the general public about mental illness with the goal of dispelling ignorance and stigma. Advocate for more research and an improved system of mental health services across the nation. At the heart of NAMI San Diego’s mission is the sharing of information and striving to end the stigma associated with mental illness. To this end, we offer a Helpline, support groups, educational meetings, newsletters, a lending library and a number of classes on mental illness held at various locations throughout San Diego County.