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Hi ,
We hope July is treating you well! In this week's newsletter, you'll find upcoming events, registration links for Fall 2026 classes, and a few eye-opening stats from a recent NAMI/Ipsos poll marking the fourth anniversary of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. |
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Americans Continue to Show Support and Confidence in 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline:
Four Years After its Launch |
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The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) marks today’s fourth anniversary of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline with new polling data on 988 and an issue brief around state efforts to bolster 988 and crisis response. The new NAMI poll, conducted with Ipsos, finds a large majority of U.S. adults (74%) are aware of 988 and most would be likely to contact it during a mental health crisis — with young adults, LGBTQ+ individuals, low-income Americans, and parents reporting higher rates of reaching out to 988. The poll also finds strong trust in 988, but highlights opportunities for continued awareness and education efforts.
“More people are reaching out to 988 than ever before, but our work to fulfill the vision of 988 must continue,” said Daniel H. Gillison, Jr., CEO of NAMI. “We’re hearing again and again that people support investment in mental health crisis care, and we’re seeing the results of our investment, with recent data showing that 988 is having an impact on youth suicide rates. This is a testament to the tireless work among the mental health community to invest in and expand support for people in mental health crisis. Today’s new data shows it is having an impact — but that we also have more to do.”
For the full article, visit: NAMI/Ipsos Poll: Trust in 988 Continues to Grow, 7 in 10 Americans Would Contact the Lifeline in a Mental Health Crisis | NAMI |
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Registration Now Open for
Family-to-Family Fall Session |
Dates: Tuesday September 22, 2026 - Tuesday November 17, 2026
Time: 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm
Location: The Sisters of Holy Family of Nazareth
310 North River Road, Des Plaines, IL 60016
Do You Have a Loved One Living with Mental Illness?
The NAMI Family-to-Family Education Program is a FREE, 8-week course for families and close friends of adults living with mental health conditions. This course is taught by trained family members who truly understand what it is like to navigate these challenges. Join the thousands of families who have gained vital information, deep understanding, and an empowering community of support.
What You Will Gain From This Course
Through structured sessions, you will learn about family responses to the trauma of mental illness and receive up-to-date information on serious conditions, including symptoms, medications, and side effects. The course provides a safe space to practice problem-solving skills and communication techniques, develop proactive strategies for handling crises or relapses, and learn how to navigate local community resources. Above all, you will discover how to prioritize your own self-care and cope with daily stress.
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| REGISTER HERE FOR FALL FAMILY-TO-FAMILY |
Interested in becoming a Family-to-Family Class Facilitator?
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Take the First Step Today - Register Your Team for NAMI CCNS 2026 NAMIWalks |
| REGISTER AND LEARN MORE ABOUT NAMIWALKS |
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Join us on Saturday, October 10th, 2026 for NAMIWalks Cook County North Suburban.
NAMIWalks is more than a fundraiser — it's a celebration of connection and a chance to say, "I will be there with my community." Whether you walk, volunteer, or donate, every step and every dollar fuels NAMI CCNS's programs and the broader mental health movement in Chicagoland.
While our official walk day isn't until Saturday, October 10, 2026, the starting line is here—we are calling on our supporters to step up and lace up—
the earlier you register or start a team, the more time you'll have to rally your friends, family, and coworkers behind you.
📍 Location: Gallery Park, 2412 West Lake Avenue, Glenview, IL 60026 (free parking available)
Event Schedule
9:00 AM Registration Opens
9:45 AM Opening Ceremony
10:00 AM Walk Begins
12:00 PM Event Ends
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Becoming a Team Captain is one of the most impactful ways to show your support. It’s your chance to gather your friends, family, or coworkers, start a conversation that could be a beam of light for someone else, and lead the charge toward a stigma-free future. When you walk with NAMI, you finish the day with more energy, inspiration, and connection than when you began. |
| Click Here to Register Your Team or Become a Captain Today |
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Questions About Forming a Team? Need Customized Email Templates or Messaging to Send Out? Other Questions? We are here to help you every step of the way! Reach out to Jackie Smolyar by email at: jsmolyar@namiccns.org |
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July Recurring Support Groups & Programs
Whether you're living with a mental health condition or supporting someone who is, NAMI Cook County North Suburban offers free support groups throughout July. All programs are free, confidential, and led by trained facilitators with lived experience. |
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NAMI Connection Recovery Support Group
NAMI Connections is a free, peer-led support group program for adults working on mental health recovery. You will gain insight from hearing the challenges and successes of others. The groups are led by NAMI-trained facilitators who’ve been there.
Online - NAMI Connection Recovery ZOOM Links
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Mondays | 4:00–5:30 PM
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Saturdays | 4:00–5:30 PM
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NAMI Veterans Support Group
This support group is for veterans living with a mental illness or mental health issues and Gold Star Families. Share problems you are facing and learn how others have dealt with the same issues. In a confidential environment, share your concerns and ask questions about housing, medications, government programs, therapists, transitioning from military to civilian life and anything else troubling you. You can talk with no fear of stigma or shame. No registration, just walk in. You will be welcomed!
In Person - Click Here for Meeting Details
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NAMI Family Support Group
NAMI’s Family Support Group is a peer-led support group for any adult with a loved one who has experienced symptoms of a mental health condition. Gain insight from the challenges and successes of others facing similar experiences.
Online - NAMI Family Support ZOOM Links
Hybrid (In Person & Online) - NAMI Family Support ZOOM Links and Meeting Info
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NAMI Balance for Success
This support group is designed to balance recovery from a mental illness with life at college or work. Focus is on the challenges that come with balancing the everyday pressures of work or college life and living with a diagnosed mental illness.
Online - NAMI Balance for Success ZOOM Links
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Grief & Loss Support Group
When a person with mental illness is no longer with us, it’s natural to grieve. Through the Grief and Support group, participants find healthy ways of remembering and honoring someone they care about. You will find a community of others who understand your pain, and like you, are learning to let go, needing to let go of blame and becoming whole again.
Online - NAMI Grief & Loss ZOOM Links
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SAVE THE DATE
Next Family Insight Evening - Wednesday, August 5, 2026
Topic: From Conflict to Connection: Practical Communication Tools for Caregivers
Learn compassionate, practical communication strategies that help reduce conflict, build trust, and stay meaningfully connected with a loved one living with mental illness.
This group open to adults who have participated in NAMI Family-to-Family or NAMI Family Support Groups. No Registration Required.
Date: Wednesday, August 5th
Time: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Location: First Congregational Church of Wilmette (1125 Wilmette Ave, Wilmette, 60091) |
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| Click Here to View Full NAMI CCNS Event & Program Calendar |
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Help Us Continue to Serve Our Community
Your financial contribution directly supports our mission to improve the lives of persons and their families affected by mental illness through support, education, advocacy, and research. Everything we do at NAMI CCNS is only possible because of people like you. On behalf of the NAMI CCNS Team and those that we serve - thank you for being a vital part of our community!
To make a donation, click the button below. |
| Donate Today |
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Copyright © 2026 NAMI CCNS, All rights reserved.
Our mailing address is:
NAMI CCNS
8324 Skokie Blvd
Skokie, Illinois 60077
United States
Our email address is:
hello@namiccns.org
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