Multicultural Outreach

As a grassroots organization, NAMI NJ is devoted to breaking stigma and barriers of all types that our diverse communities face. We are especially sensitive to the concept of mutual caring and responsibility implicit in family relationships and reaching out in that context to families from various cultures that are affected by serious mental illness. NAMI NJ has gained considerable expertise in the area of multicultural outreach, advocacy, and program development. AACT-NOW (African American), CAMHOP (Chinese American), NAMI NJ En Español (Latinx) and SAMHAJ (South Asian) are four NAMI NJ innovative multicultural programs that outreach to African American, Chinese American, Latinx and South Asian families with services in education, support and advocacy. The programs also provide education for mental health providers to help them better understand cultural and treatment issues relevant to these populations.

NAMI NJ Received the 2014 American Psychiatric Foundation Award for Advancing Minority Mental Health

 

NAMI NJ Multicultural Conversations Webinar Series

NAMI NJ is committed to serving New Jersey’s diverse communities and is hosting a webinar series this year – NAMI NJ Multicultural Conversations. Our four multicultural programs (serving African American, Hispanic/Latinx, South Asian and Chinese American communities) will help facilitate meaningful, culturally-sensitive dialogues on various mental wellness topics. Let’s come together and talk about mental health and culture!

 

AACT-NOW (African American Mental Health Outreach) 

AACT-NOW is a NAMI NJ initiative serving New Jersey’s African American communities which include individuals and families affected by mental illness, the faith community, and mental health professionals. AACT-NOW provides culturally competent support, education and advocacy in the northern, central and southern regions of New Jersey, through free services such as support groups, phone referral, community workshops and other outreach activities.

 

CAMHOP-NJ (Chinese American Mental Health Outreach Program in New Jersey)

CAMHOP-NJ is a NAMI NJ initiative to help people of Chinese origin (including immigrants from mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and their descendants) in New Jersey gain better understanding about mental illness as a biological based and treatable disease. Our free services include support groups, referral services, advocacy, NAMI Family-to-Family Education Course in Chinese, community workshops, and educational materials in Chinese.

 

NAMI NJ en Español

NAMI NJ en Español is an awareness & education program developed by NAMI NJ serving the Hispanic/Latino community in New Jersey. It offers local self-help support groups, referral services, NAMI Family-to-Family Education Course in Spanish, community workshops, and other outreach activities.

 

SAMHAJ (South Asian Mental Health Awareness in Jersey)

SAMHAJ is a NAMI NJ initiative to help South Asians (of Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Sri Lankan, Nepali, Afghan and Bhutanese origin) in New Jersey understand that mental illness is a biologically based and treatable illness. Our free services include support groups, referral services, advocacy, community workshops, and other outreach activities. This program won the NAMI 2002 Multicultural Award.

 

NAMI NJ Documentary “Documenting Our Presence: Multicultural Experiences of Mental Illness“

“Documenting Our Presence: Multicultural Experiences of Mental Illness” was produced in 2007 as a NAMI NJ Multicultural Outreach Initiative with the support of NAMI – National Alliance of Mental Illness and NJ Division of Mental Health Services. This documentary is a compassionate, hopeful look at the experiences of people of diverse backgrounds, affected by serious mental illness. It traces their lives through a cultural lens, focusing on the onset of mental illness, the process of coping and acceptance, and finally, their journey to recovery. To order a copy please visit NAMI NJ Store.

 

Recommended Material:

Health Beliefs Toolkit
Concha, M, Villar, M.E., & Azevedo, L, (2014) Health Attitudes and Beliefs Tool Kit, Technical Assistance Network for Children’s Behavioral Health, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD.

NAMI Identity and Cultural Dimensions:

– Asian American and Pacific Islander & Expectations and Family Pressure
– Black/African American & The Effects of Racial Trauma on Mental Health: Deaths Captured on TV and Media
– Indigenous & Suicide Prevention in Indigenous Communities
– Hispanic/Latinx & Hispanic/Latinx Immigrants and First-Generation Americans & La salud mental en la comunidad latina
– LGBTQI & Trauma and Internalized Shame
– People with Disabilities & Double Discrimination