Blog
NAMI Contra Costa’s blog showcases written work by volunteers, interns, and community members. NAMI CC does not treat any of the articles written as official health or medical advice or information from either NAMI Contra Costa, NAMI California, or NAMI. All information written by the author, indicated as “written by,” are the author’s thoughts and opinions and is not representative of NAMI Contra Costa’s official stance on any topic. For official, health, or medical advice, please see your provider.
You’re Invited: Safe to Share Input Monthly Meeting
Family Member and Peer Advocates: Join NAMI CC’s very own “Safe Place to Share” Input Monthly Meeting. We will rely on teamwork to successfully advocate our and our loved ones’ recovery. Our first meeting will be on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, from 1:30 PM from 3 PM. This meeting will recur 3rd Tuesday of the…
Community Member Sharing: Jack Bragen
This week, a community member stepped forward and asked if we could share his story and perspective on mental health and mental illness. Jack Bragen, a community, shares “Managing My Wellness When My Psychotic and Mood Condition Are Worse.”
Community Member Sharing: Mei Sze
For Mental Health Awareness Week, a community member stepped forward and asked if we could share her perspective on mental health and mental illness. Today, we share Mei Sze’s perspective.
Concord Awards $1.6m Grant to Caminar for Unsheltered with Serious Mental Illness
Great News! Caminar was recently awarded a $1.6 million grant to reduce homelessness for individuals with severe mental illness (SMI) in partnership with NAMI Contra Costa, Loaves and Dishes of Contra Costa, White Pony Express, RotaCare, First Christian Church (Concord), and the Pleasant Hill Seventh Day Adventist Church through a two-year mobile dignity center program.…
How to Improve Mental Health in Schools
Written by Grace Dallarda, a NAMI CC 2025 Summer Intern. How can we improve mental health literacy and sharpen academic institutions’ focus on addressing behavioral health disparities? My post outlines opportunities that education officials can use to foster an environment of curiosity and knowledge surrounding the topic of mental health.
1st California Screening of No One Cares About Crazy People
Join us for the 1st California Screening of No One Cares About Crazy People film by Gail Freedman, coming soon in early October! Click Read More for details.
How to Treat and Handle Dual Diagnosis
Written by Apurva Varakhedi, a NAMI CC 2025 Summer Intern. Dual Diagnosis is a combination of diagnoses and is one of the most challenging types of cases in behavioral health treatment. But there is hope. Apurva Varakhedi talks about how people with Dual Diagnosis can take charge of their recovery.
Mental Health and the Legal System: Alternatives to Incarceration
Written by Isabella Pacho, a NAMI CC 2025 Summer Intern. What alternatives to incarceration exist for individuals who are impacted by mental illness, such as peers? This post explores options and pathways to support wellness outside of the prison system.
NAMI CC in Motion 2025 Recap
If you weren’t able to attend 2025 NAMI CC In Motion Countywide Mental Health Awareness Resource Fair held on Saturday morning, May 17, at Todos Santos Plaza Park, you can read about it here!
Remembering Former Supervisor Federal Glover
NAMI CC is saddened to hear of former Supervisor Federal Glover’s passing, on Sunday, May 18th, 2025. He was a long time supporter of NAMI CC and the winner of our 2024 Elected Official Change Agent Award…
About TD Awareness Week 2025
The first full week of #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth is #TDAwarenessWeek. Tardive dyskinesia (TD) is an involuntary movement disorder associated with the use of antipsychotics. Early recognition and treatment can make a positive impact. Click Read More for details.
Recognizing TD Awareness Week 2025
NAMI CC is proud to recognize May 4-10, 2025, as Tardive Dyskinesia (TD) Awareness Week to reduce stigma and empower those impacted by the condition. Click Read More for information on TD.