NAMI of CI News

Welcome to NAMI of CI's current events page, where you'll find current news and resources, upcoming meetings, support groups, and current and upcoming courses.

News and Resources

NAMI of CI keeps up to date on mental health issues so we can provide you with current, valuable information. Here are some current events and news taken from our most recent newsletter.

Speaker on Pediatric Bipolar Disorder

At least 800,000 children in the United States have been diagnosed as bipolar, no doubt some of them wrongly. The disease is hard to pin down. The bipolar brain is miswired, but no one knows why it develops that way. There are many drugs, but it's unclear how they work. Often, they don't work at all, and they may interfere with normal brain growth. There are no studies on the long-term effects in children." - May 26, 2008 issue of Newsweek ---Find out more from Dr. Barclay at our November 18 meeting.

Mental Illness Awareness Week

The first week of October is designated as "Mental Illness Awareness Week" (MIAW) in recognition of NAMI's efforts to raise awareness. NAMI-CI is showing Depression: Out of the Shadows at the Ames Public Library on Tuesday, October 21 at 7:00 pm. Join us for a discussion after the film.

Six Awarded President's Volunteer Service Award

Fred Borgen, Susan Greulich, Linda Sawer, Karen Lewis, Fran Berger and Ruth Hauptman were nominated by Executive Director, Deb Niehof, to receive this award for serving over 100 volunteer hours in a year. The Volunteer Center of Story County presented the awards at the June 17th monthly meeting. In 2002, President Bush called on all Americans to dedicate at least 2 years, or 4,000 hours, over the course of their lives to volunteering.

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Upcoming Meetings

NAMI of CI: monthly meetings feature speakers and discussions on current issues related to mental health. Meetings are open to anyone.

Upcoming meetings

October 21: Mental Illness Awareness film at Ames Public Library

November 18: Dr. Gregory Barclay on Pediatric Bipolar Disorder

December 16: Seasonal Affective Disorder

Meetings are held at 7:00 pm on the third Tuesday of each month at Collegiate Presbyterian Church, Corner of Sheldon and West Streets, Ames.(unless otherwise noted)

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Support Groups

All NAMI of CI support groups are free, open to everyone, and require no registration.

NAMI Connection Peer Support

For anyone with a diagnosed mental illness

Our Peer Support for Mental Illness groups are part of the NAMI CARES program. Group facilitators are trained by NAMI Iowa using the national guidelines. The groups are confidential, free, and open to anyone with a mental illness.

Individuals are encouraged to phone for more information before attending the first time.

Date: Every Thursday

Time: 2:00-3:30 pm

Place: Collegiate United Methodist Church, 2622 W Lincoln Way, Room 44

Call 292-9400 for more information

Care and Share for Peers

Date: Every 3rd Tuesday evening

Time: 6:00-7:00 pm (before the regular monthly meeting and meets even when there is no regular meeting)

Place: Collegiate Presbyterian Church, corner of Sheldon and West Streets (unless otherwise noted)

Call 292-9400 for more information

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Current and Upcoming Courses

NAMI of CI sponsors several NAMI courses, such as Family-To-Family and Peer-To-Peer. All courses are free and open to anyone, but advance registration is required. Contact NAMI of CI for more information.

Family-to-Family

The next class will is Monday, September 8 through Monday, November 24 at 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm. Call 515-292-9400 to register

For more information on Family-to-Family, visit our activities page or NAMI's national website or call 515-292-9400.

Visions For Tomorrow

Offered Regularly

For more information on Visions For Tomorrow, visit our activities page or NAMI's national website or call 515-292-9400.

Peer-To-Peer

The next class will begin Sunday September 14 through Sunday November 9 from 1-3 p.m. Call 515-292-9400 to register

For more information on Peer-To-Peer, visit our activities page or NAMI's national website or call 515-292-9400.

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Wishing Wellness - our newest class

Offered Regularly Call 515-292-9400 for information and to register

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