About NAMI Orange County | Administration

NAMI Orange County is a tax-exempt, non-profit organization with a membership of over 400 and is an affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and NAMI California

NAMI Orange County conducts free educational programs, meetings and support groups throughout the entire county addressing every aspect of mental health. Please take a few minutes to browse through our web site to learn more about our many free programs, educational meetings, support groups and advocacy we provide for those families and clients dealing with the affects of mental illness.

NAMI Orange County publishes a monthly newsletter called "The Bridge Builder" providing the latest local, state and national news.

NAMI Orange County works tirelessly to educate the community in an effort to reduce the stigma attached to mental illness.

NAMI OC Office: (714) 544-8488
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Stop by our office:
1810 E. 17th Street, Santa Ana, CA 92705
8 a.m. to 5 p.m. - Monday through Friday
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OUR STORY

NAMI Orange County a volunteer based non-profit organization, is the leading self-help organization in the County for families and friends of those suffering from serious mental disorders. Founded in 1980, NAMI Orange County offers family support groups, advocates for legislation, supports research efforts and works to educate the public to reduce stigma. NAMI Orange County, affiliated with NAMI California and the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), receives its funding from its membership and from the community and provides services free to the public.

OUR MISSION

The mission of NAMI Orange County is to provide emotional support, education and resources for families, and those affected by mental illness. In collaboration with the entire community, we advocate for a life of quality and dignity, one without discrimination, for all those persons affected by this illness.

WELCOME MESSAGE
FROM NAMI OC PRESIDENT

Welcome to NAMI Orange County and our resource filled website. We tried to make our website easy to navigate so that you can easily find the information you are looking for. For anything you cannot easily find, please use our web site “search” feature which will list all the pages in our site that contain the “key word” that you enter into the search box.

NAMI Orange County’s mission is to provide education, support, and advocacy for individuals and their family members who are affected by mental illness. NAMI OC also works to help raise awareness and compassion to help eliminate the stigma associated with mental illness.

False myths and misinformation still persists today regarding mental illness. For instance, many people still assume that mental illness (and the symptomatic behavior) is something a person chooses. It is important that people understand, that a mental illness is not caused or prolonged by moral weakness, nor is it something an individual can just “snap out of” by choice or will power. And just as science is now proving that “refrigerator mothers” are not what caused autism, science is also showing through brain imaging and research, that mental illness is not the fault of “poor parenting or poor moral upbringing.” Stigma and years of misinformation have created a huge barrier to health care for those affected by mental illness. This barrier must be broken down.

“Mental” illness is just like any other “physical” illness because… mental illness is a “physical illness.” It affects the brain, the organ of the body that regulates a person’s feelings and behavior. There are no known cures for most mental illnesses, but today there are many new treatments. And just like other medical conditions for which there are no cures such as, diabetes or asthma, with the right medication and treatment, most people with a mental illness can live full and productive lives. And just like any other illness, for those living with a mental illness, support from family and friends is an essential component for successful recovery.

Becoming a member of NAMI Orange County is an important element in helping us to continue providing our programs and services free to the community. Please visit our membership link and join today.

I encourage you to get involved with NAMI Orange County.

Carol Hamelberg
President, NAMI Orange County