Address:
827 West 20th Street
Merced, CA 95340

Contacts:
(209) 385-5314

A self-help support and advocacy group for consumers, families and friends of persons afflicted with serious neuro-biological disease/disorders.

MEETINGS & ACTIVITIES
The NAMI Board of Directors meeting is held monthly. The public is invited. Family support group meets the last Wednesday of each month at 7:00 P.M. at Challenged FRC, 827 West 20th Street in Merced.
The Mood Disorders Support Group is affiliated with DBSA (Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance). They meet the first and third Thursdays of the month at Mercy Medical Center Community Campus, 301 E. 15th Street, Cafe B, in Merced from 6:30 P.M. to 8:30 P.M. The group’s purpose is to provide support, education and advocacy. It focuses on self-help, is safe and accepting and is completely confidential. For more information call 388- 1582.

OUR GOALS
Through our organization of family members and friends, we advocate:
EXCELLENCE in patient care;
AFFORDABLE quality housing and services;
VOCATIONAL training and job placement; and
RESEARCH into the causes and treatment of brain diseases/disorders.

If you would like more information or to become a member please contact:
NAMI Merced County
209-385-5314

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COMMUNITY OUTREACH
NAMI Merced County publishes a quarterly newsletter. It’s purpose is to keep members, health care providers,
elected officials, and the general public informed about local issues and the latest developments in research, care, treatments, and legislative matters affecting people with mental illnesses.
Members are actively involved in community groups, committees and task forces that address the problems of the mentally ill. Members are encouraged to write to their legislators on issues affecting the mentally ill.
Our resource center has books, audio/ video tapes and other materials available for loan at no cost.

Did You Know?
• The causes of brain diseases/disorders are not thoroughly understood, but what is known is that these are serious illnesses with neurobiological, bio-chemical, genetic and perhaps viral components. Brain imaging techniques have shown conclusive proof that these illnesses have a physical basis.
• Of the three most common brain diseases/ disorders, the vast majority suffer from major depression, while about one out of every 100 of the total population of the United States suffer from schizophrenia; and another one out of every 100 suffer from bipolar depression.
• Many thousands of other people suffer from other serious disorders such as obsessivecompulsive disorder, panic disorder, and schizo-affective disorder.
• Nearly every family in the United States is affected by mental illness.
• Approximately 25% of all hospital beds are occupied by people who have been diagnosed with schizophrenia.
• Schizophrenia predominantly strikes a person between the ages of fifteen and twenty-five.
• Approximately two million individuals who have a diagnosed psychiatric disability are living as out-patients in the community, or go untreated.
• It is estimated that 40% of the homeless population are afflicted with a serious brain disorder.