NAMI CSLI NY: Supporting Mental Health — Families, Frontline Workers & All Affected

Written By Selena Ramos

NAMI CSLI NY (National Alliance on Mental Illness, Central/South Long Island) is a vital local affiliate providing free education, peer-led support, and advocacy for individuals and families affected by mental health challenges across Long Island.

What They Do

  • Offers a robust mix of free support groups for individuals, teens, families, caregivers, veterans, and frontline professionals, all led by trained volunteers.

  • Provides award-winning mental health education programs (e.g., Ending the Silence, In Our Own Voice, Mental Health First Aid) in schools, workplaces, and faith communities.

  • Advocates on key issues like treatment access and insurance parity while hosting monthly events and annual awareness campaigns.

Why It Matters

  • At least 1 in 5 New York adults experiences a mental health condition annually, and over 1,700 New Yorkers die by suicide each year.

  • Mental illness affects not just individuals—but their families, workplaces, schools, and communities, especially amid rising stress and trauma

Community Impact
NAMI CSLI NY fosters connection, reduces stigma, and equips people with tools to seek help, advocate, and navigate recovery. Their grassroots, volunteer-led model amplifies a reach that far exceeds their budget through peer-to-peer empathy and community trust.

How You Can Support

  • Sponsor educational or support groups to expand mental health access in schools, nonprofits, or workplaces

  • Partner on awareness events like Mental Health First Aid trainings or community forums

  • Volunteer or offer pro bono services, including facilitation, outreach, or professional expertise

Get Involved: Learn more at https://namicsliny.org

Selena Ramos
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