President’s Column – January 2026
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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.

 

 

How to Become a Mental Health Volunteer

Written by NAMI CC Summer 2024 Intern, Minahil Afzal. Are you looking to make a difference in your community and support those living with mental health conditions? Discover the rewarding world of mental health volunteering. Minahil provides steps and suggestions for how to get started as a mental health volunteer.

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August’s Ask Kathy

Written by Kathy Maibaum-Perryman, CFNC – A deep passion for mental health and well-being. This month, Kathy talks about August, National Wellness Month, a perfect time to focus on nurturing our physical, mental, and emotional well-being by incorporating wellness activities into our daily lives.

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Healing Through Music 2024 Event Recap

On Saturday, July 27th, NAMI Contra Costa held its second annual faith-based mental health awareness event called Healing Through Music, which started in 2023. This phenomenal event featured 5-Time GRAMMY Award Winner, Gospel Singer Erica Campbell, and is recapped in this post.

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Transitional Aged Youth, Explained

Lamisa Zaman, a 2024 NAMI CC Intern, explains about Transitional Aged Youth, the importance of supporting this demographic, and how NAMI CC as an organization uniquely supports TAY.

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How to Find Support Groups

Are you or a loved one in need of some support? In this article, we show you how to find support groups at NAMI CC and locally in Contra Costa County.

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Watch NAMI CC CEO (Gigi)’s TEDx Talk

We’re pleased to share that our CEO, Gigi Renee Crowder, had the opportunity to speak about the power of empathy online, social media and mental health at San Ramon’s TEDx Talk. Watch NAMI CC CEO Gigi Crowder speak at TEDx Talk’s The Quest for Balance: Human Connection in a Digital World | TEDxCamino Ramon St.

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A Message from Erica Campbell, 5-Time Grammy Winner!

Healing Through Music, a Mental Health Awareness Concert, returns for 2024 on July 27 at 5 PM. This year, we are featuring five-time GRAMMY Award Winner, Erica Campbell, who has a special message for Bay Area Californians: Get Your Tickets NOW!

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July 12: No Maintenance

We are announcing that our website will skip its usual weekly maintenance from 5:30 AM – 8:30 AM PT on 7/12.

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June’s Ask Kathy

Written by Kathy Maibaum-Perryman, CFNC – A deep passion for mental health and well-being. This month, Kathy addresses concerns about sugar!

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June 21: No Maintenance

We are announcing that our website will skip its usual weekly maintenance from 5:30 AM – 8:30 AM PT on 6/21.

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Innovation Program Launch Event Recap

On Thursday, May 30 NAMI Contra Costa held a first of its kind TransformACTIONal faith-based mental health awareness event. We invited a diverse group of Spiritual Leaders & Faith-Based Organizations to the launch of the newly MHSA Innovation funded, Building Mental Health Friendly Communities Together.

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5th Annual AAPI Mental Health Awareness Event Recap

In May, which is recognized as Mental Health Awareness Month, NAMI Contra Costa’s Chinese division held its annual mental health lecture. This year, we had the privilege of welcoming Dr. Philip Lowe, an esteemed psychologist, along with three young guest speakers – Yiwen, Michelle, and Leo. They joined us to discuss the pressing mental health…

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