NAMI Southwestern Illinois
- find help
- find hope
Advocacy
Important information about the future of Medicaid
With Harmful Medicaid Waivers Looming, the National Council issues State-by-State Fact Sheets to Support Advocacy. Help preserve Medicaid, use these fact sheets to support your advocacy efforts at the state level.
Download your State’s Fact Sheet
NAMI Illinois Action Alert
NAMI Illinois is fighting hard to make our voices heard. NAMI Illinois’ position and actions to be taken will be found on NAMI Illinois’ website at http://namiillinois.org/advocacy-legislation/. We urge you to visit that resource frequently to find additional information on important issues that are under consideration.
Take Action!
The Doctor Is Out: Parity Report
November 30, 2017
On November 30th, NAMI released The Doctor is Out, which found that people continue to lack the same access to mental health providers as for other medical providers. When they do find a provider, many are forced to go out-of-network and pay high out-of-pocket costs at much higher rates than for primary or specialty medical care.
Search NAMI SWI Website
NAMI Family Support Group
NAMI Family Support Group is a peer-led support group for family members, caregivers and loved ones of individuals living with mental illness. Groups generally meet on a monthly basis but may meet weekly. The hallmark of a NAMI support group is leveraging the collective knowledge and experience of the other participants.
NAMI Connection
A peer-led support group, following 12 principles of support, open to all individuals living with any type of mental health condition. NAMI Connection groups are discreet and absolutely confidential, an ideal setting to connect with other individuals in recovery who are learning to cope with issues related to mental illness.
NAMI Parent Support Group
For parents and caregivers of children and adolescents living with a mental illness. This support group offers a safe, non-judgmental and confidential outlet for sharing with other parents and caregivers who have experiences similar to yours. There is hope for your child and for you. You don’t have to face this struggle on your own.
RACE • WALK - May 12, 2018
Thanks to all who came out to run, walk, or just socialize. A special thanks to Katie Venvertloh, our sponsors, and all volunteers who helped at the race-walk on May 12th!
NAMI SWI HOMEFRONT CLASS
The next round of NAMI Homefront Online classes begins in Apr/May 2018. Peter Dodge will teach on Wednesdays, 6:30 - 8:30 pm, Central Time Zone, this round, but feel free to register for a session in any Time Zone that suits your schedule. Click here for more info.
DO YOU HAVE STIGMA?
- Take a 3 question, multiple choice quiz to find out
“Although stigma is a virus that anyone can be exposed to, we do have a cure, and that is compassion and understanding. We need to talk openly and raise our voices, so we can put an end to the fear and shame, and cure stigma once and for all.” Mary Giliberti, CEO of NAMI. Click here for more info. Together we can #CureStigma!
Contact Us
For more information, contact us at:
- Office E-mail: info@namiswi.org
- Webmaster, Mary Gauen
NAMI Southwestern Illinois Office
- Gateway Regional Medical Center, 2100 Madison Ave. 4th Floor
- Granite City, IL 62040
- Office Phone: 618-798-9788, Office Fax: 866-332-5338
NAMI National and State Information
- NAMI National Website: www.nami.org
- National NAMI Helpline: 1-800-950-6264
(Monday through Friday 10AM-6PM, Eastern Time) - NAMI Illinois Website: namiillinois.org
1-800-346-4572 (FAX 217-522-4572)
NAMI Southwestern Illinois Leadership
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
BOARD Officers
- President: Sonja Vauters, MBA
- Vice President: Angela Townsend
- Secretary: Mary Pat DeJarnette
- Treasurer: Diane Borawski
BOARD Members
- Angie Betts
- Royal Boeder
- Karoline Carstens, JD
- Kris Gamm-Smith
- Harold Heth
- Amber Kaan
- Marcus Kwasa
- Major Brad Lavite
- Amanda Marti
- John Mayer
- Kimberly McClellan
- Kalin Pearce
- Brianne Sharrar
- Donna Marie Sheard
- Julie Swogger
- Katie Venvertloh
- Susy Woods
If you or someone you know is experiencing a crisis, 
