NAMI Contra Costa

Category: News

All general updates for NAMI Contra Costa that is not a newsletter, special event, or other.

  • [Sept. 6] NAMI CC Family-Focused Education Recruitment Gathering

    [Sept. 6] NAMI CC Family-Focused Education Recruitment Gathering

    We are actively seeking new leaders!

    You’re invited to NAMI CC’s Family-Focused Education Recruitment Gathering for NAMI Family to Family and NAMI Basics educational courses.

    About the Event

    Join us at this gathering where current and prospective leaders of NAMI CC’s Signature Education Programs come together to strengthen and expand our free mental health education programs.

    Whether you’re simply curious about what leadership involves or you’re ready to take the next step and commit, this gathering is for you. This is a meaningful opportunity for individuals passionate about helping families find hope, solutions, and peace of mind. Even if you haven’t yet participated in Family-to-Family (F2F) or Basics, we encourage you to come and learn how you can make a difference by becoming a course leader.

    Your leadership can change lives. We need you! Will you answer the call?

    Time and Location

    Saturday, September 6, 2025 at NAMI Contra Costa’s office from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM.

    Address:
    2151 Salvio St, Ste v,
    Concord, CA

    RSVP Required

    RSVP to attend this recruitment gathering by emailing nancy@namicontracosta.org.

  • 5th Annual Suicide Prevention Awareness Month Event: Know the Signs

    5th Annual Suicide Prevention Awareness Month Event: Know the Signs

    In Honor of September as National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, NAMI CC FaithNet Brings to You Our 5th Annual Suicide Prevention Awareness Month Event, “Know the Signs: Remembering Those We’ve Lost.”

    Where

    Saturday, September 20 at 9:30 AM to 12 PM

    Contra Loma Regional Park, 1200 Frederickson Ln, Antioch NEAR THE LAGOON AREA.

    Get Directions

    What

    Please join us for a compassionate engagement of diverse speakers talking through a lived experience lens, lifting the names of our loved ones lost to suicide, with a special emphasis on our youth. We will provide symbols of hope to attendees. We’ve invited spiritual and multi-faith leaders, community members and representatives from local schools. We will raise awareness of the “Knowing the Signs” program and 988 Crisis Line. Grief Counselors will be available.

    White Doves will be released in remembrance of our loved ones lost too soon.

    Includes

    • Free Refreshments & Activities
    • Free Parking – Just tell the toll booth operator you’re attending the NAMI CC event!

    Volunteer Opportunities

    We at NAMI Contra Costa are holding our Annual “Know the Signs” Suicide Prevention Event at Contra Loma Regional Park Antioch, 1200 Frederickson Ln. on Saturday, Sept. 20th, 2025 from 9:30 am – 12:00 pm, and you have been specifically invited hoping you can volunteer if this subject has touched your life and the impact you are making as a leader in the schools, churches or broader community, the same as previous years. It will be a beautiful morning, and we will release the doves into the heavenly sky to memorialize our loved ones lost too soon, so we’ll need prayers. Please email us to confirm your presence, and we hope you’ll join us for this special morning.

    Questions?

    For questions about the event, please contact Gigi Crowder at gigi@namicontracosta.org or (510) 990-2670.

    For questions about volunteer opportunities, please contact Shelly Ji at shelly@namicontracosta.org.

    flyer for suicide annual prevention month event in mandarin chinese
    flyer for suicide annual prevention month event in spanish
    flyer for suicide annual prevention month event in english

  • August 2025 AAPI Monthly Seminar

    August 2025 AAPI Monthly Seminar

    NAMI CC’s AAPI Monthly Seminar/NAMI CC中文部月度讲座

    人工智能与人类意识
    AI & Human Consciousness

    时间/Time

    8月17日 星期日 / August 17, Sunday
    3:00–4:30 PM PDT
    6:00–7:30 PM EDT
    6:00–7:30 AM CST (Monday)

    On Zoom/在Zoom

    Zoom ID/会议 ID： 863 1191 9384
    Password/密码： 345796

    Speaker/讲座: Dr. Wu Shi, Ph.D./五石博士

    • Ph.D. in Cell & Molecular Biology, Peking University / 北京大学细胞分子生物学博士
    • Former faculty, Rockefeller University / 纽约大学医学院博士后
    • Visiting Scholar, University of Toronto, Stanford University / 清华大学、纽约大学、加州大学伯克利分校结构生物学专家
    • Expert in science communication, bioethics, and public understanding of medicine & culture / 熟悉当代西方生命科学、医学的前沿发展，并对传统东方文化与哲学有广泛的研究
    Flyer for August 2025 AAPI Seminar in English
    Flyer for August 2025 AAPI Seminar in Mandarin Chinese

  • [Sept. 2025] New Family to Family Class

    [Sept. 2025] New Family to Family Class

    A new, in-person Family to Family class offered by popular demand!

    NAMI Family to Family Classes, starting in September, will be hosted over a period of 4 weeks between the dates of September 22 through October 15.

    Class Dates

    • September 22
    • September 24
    • September 29
    • October 1
    • October 6
    • October 8
    • October 13
    • October 15

    Class Times

    Classes will be hosted on Mondays and Wednesdays from 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM.

    Location

    This class will be held in-Person at:

    NAMI Contra Costa Office
    2151 Salvio St, Suite V,
    Concord, CA 94520

    Facilitators

    This class will be facilitated by Gwendolyn Sampson-Brown and Nancy Rhee.

    Registration Requirements

    Pre-registration is required. Please contact Nancy at nancy@namicontracosta.org or fill out this registration form:

    Link to Registration Form

    About NAMI Family to Family Education Program

    NAMI Family-to-Family is a free, 8-session educational program for family, significant others and friends of adults living with mental illness. It is a designated evidence-based program. Research shows that the program significantly improves the coping and problem-solving abilities of the people closest to an adult individual living with a mental health condition.

    NAMI Family-to-Family is taught by NAMI-trained family members who have been there and includes presentations, discussion and interactive exercises.

  • NAMI Bay Area Regional Townhall

    NAMI Bay Area Regional Townhall

    Good morning NAMI CC Members, friends, and families,

    NAMI Contra Costa and NAMI California will host an in-person, 2025 Bay Area Regional Townhall. This event is free for all families, individuals, NAMI partners, and community members. The program will feature keynote speaker Dr. Nicholas Rosenlicht, author of “My Brother’s Keeper”, a CARE Act panel discussion, a Housing panel discussion, and a presentation from host affiliate: NAMI Contra Costa County.

    This Townhall will be on Thursday, August 21st from 10AM – 2PM, at Saint Matthews Lutheran Church in Walnut Creek.

    Get Directions

    Highlights

    • Keynote Speaker: Dr. Nicholas Rosenlicht, author of “My Brother’s Keeper”.
    • CARE Act Panel: The CARE Act panel will discuss implementation progress, affiliate adaptation, community feedback, success strategies, and common challenges.
    • Housing Panel: This Housing panel will discuss common challenges and potential solutions to the housing crisis.
    • NAMI Contra Costa County: Local County Presentation
    • Free lunch will be provided.

    We encourage you to register for the Townhall and join us for a meaningful discussion.

    Click to Register

  • [Urgent] 8/7 Rally

    [Urgent] 8/7 Rally

    We last gathered on June 26th to protest Andrew Hall’s potential early release from probation (following an early release from prison). The hearing to follow up on this matter has officially been rescheduled for this THURSDAY, August 7th, at 8:15 AM!

    Some of you may recall we had a press conference when Hall was covertly released early from prison. Below is a quote from that action:

    “Andrew Hall being released early [was] a slap in the face and reminds us all, the flawed criminal justice system continues to put less value on the lives of those living with mental illness especially when they are from BIPOC communities. Living with mental illness is not a crime. The true criminal is the two-time killer Cop.”
    – Gigi Crowder, CEO of NAMI Contra Costa

    We plan to send out a press release once again and expect some press. We have posters and will likely allow for anyone in attendance to speak up in support of the Arboleda and Wilson families. Mark your calendars for the following:

    When

    THURSDAY, August 7th, at 8:15 AM

    Where

    1020 Ward St, Martinez, CA – 1st floor, Dept 10 (A.F. Bray Building)

    Why Rally?

    Former Deputy Sheriff Andrew Hall, who shot and KILLED both Laudemer Arboleda and Tyrell Wilson, was covertly RELEASED EARLY for parole and requested early release from probation after serving LESS THAN HALF of his sentence.

    After the unjust killing of Laudemer Arboleda in 2018, the Contra Costa County Sheriff, who is ALSO the Coroner, CLEARED Hall of any wrongdoing. It wasn’t until AFTER shooting and KILLING ANOTHER MAN, Tyrell Wilson, in 2021, that charges were brought against Hall for his prior injustice. After a historic conviction in 2022, Hall was set to be eligible for parole ONLY AFTER serving 85% of his six year sentence.*

    *Source: kqed.org/news/11907219/we-prayed-he-would-get-jail-time-ex-contra-costa-cop-gets-6-years-in-prison-for-killing-man-with-mental-illness

    FURTHERMORE, following the 2022 judgement, Sheriff-Coroner David Livingston, expressed CONTINUED SUPPORT for Hall and expressed disapproval of his sentencing and conviction. If Livingston hadn’t DISMISSED Hall’s actions and inactions as justified, he wouldn’t have had the chance to kill ANOTHER community member.*

    *Source: ktvu.com/news/contra-costa-county-sheriff-shows-disdain-for-judges-6-year-sentence-of-ex-deputy

  • 40 Voices African American Holistic Wellness & Resource Hub Grand Opening

    40 Voices African American Holistic Wellness & Resource Hub Grand Opening

    Friday, August 8th, will mark the Grand Opening of The 40 Voices African American Holistic Wellness & Resource Hub at Delta Bay.

    Join us as we make history in Contra Costa County by sticking to a “For Us, By Us” community-led opportunity to heal. All are welcome to attend: Decision Makers, Elected Officials, and those who work closely with people of African descent. You will have the opportunity to celebrate, but also gain wisdom about the importance of this hub and why we can’t wait.

    No RSVP necessary.

    Event Details

    Grand Opening & Ribbon-Cutting Celebration

    Date: Friday, August 8, 2025

    Time: 3:00 PM

    Location: Lower Level of Delta Bay Community Church

    Address: 1020 East Tregallas Rd., Antioch, CA 94509

    Get Directions

    About the Delta Bay Wellness Hub

    NAMI CC is committed to ensuring ALL individuals impacted by mental illness have their needs met and no one is left behind. We, therefore, lifted the 40 Voices Campaign to advocate for an African American Holistic Wellness & Resource Hub to improve outcomes for the African American community. Despite 40 Voices’ successful advocacy for a total of $8.9 million dollars from the Contra Costa Board of Supervisors, we have been asked to wait until 2029 for the physical site of the hub to be realized. We cannot afford to wait. NAMI CC CEO and Founder of the 40 Voices Campaign, Gigi Crowder, decided to move forward with the hub – primarily using her own personal funding and securing donations from others. If you would like to support this important effort, you can Zelle a payment (510-990-2670) or mail in a check (2151 Salvio St. Suite V Concord, CA 94520 ) or simply go to www.namicontracosta.org/donate to make a donation. All donations are tax deductible. Donations of $40 dollars or more will be recognized on a poster as a “Founding Contributor” of the 40 Voices African American Holistic Wellness & Resource Hub at Delta Bay. The renovations have resulted in a beautiful healing space.

    For more information, contact:

    Gigi R. Crowder
    (510) 990-2670
    gigi@namicontracosta.org

    We are looking forward to seeing you there!

  • Support the African American Community this BIPOC Heritage Month

    Support the African American Community this BIPOC Heritage Month

    Dear Friend & Supporter of NAMI Contra Costa,

    As we acknowledge July as BIPOC, (Minority) Mental Health Awareness Month, we at NAMI CC are determined to identify and address the challenges faced by ethnic and cultural communities. We recognize that inadequate funding, poor access, and few referral options to respectfully and appropriately meet both the non-clinical and clinical mental health needs of Contra Costa County’s African American community members is a social justice issue. One-size-fits-all approaches that don’t consider culture and the many harms that African Americans have experienced due to systemic racism have created significant challenges for this population. African American residents often do not receive culturally responsive non-clinical and clinical mental health services.

    Our NAMI CC African American Team recently lost significant California Department of Health Care Services (California DHCS) funding through the CalHOPE grant. We recently experienced massive lay-offs and a reduction in work hours to retain the dedicated African American team members who are still with us. As such, the African American Team has stretched themselves thin to fill the gaps in care by offering non-clinical lifesaving support locally and throughout the state of California. However, without appropriate financial support for our nonclinical services, the African American Community will continue to be grossly neglected. We do not receive any specific funding to address the needs of African Americans through our Contra Costa County Community Engagement Program contract, despite the knowledge carried by all, that African Americans living with a mental illness are the most harmed.

    At NAMI CC, we understand that if one community suffers, all communities feel the pain. We closely monitor mental health needs of all residents of this county, examine trends, as well as solicit and receive input from those we serve, staff/volunteers and other like-minded partners. Our decisions are made from this collected data from each County department, as well as our statewide work with CalHOPE.

    • African Americans make up less than 10% of the population in Contra Costa County, yet African American males typically make up over 40% of the county’s mental health criminal justice population.
    • African Americans also have a 5-7 year delay in receiving a mental health diagnosis. Both of these issues sadly result in African Americans being criminalized for living with what is a medical condition and rarely receive the services needed to improve outcomes.
    • 70% of all juveniles incarcerated in this county have documented mental illness and the bulk of these young people are African American.
    • African Americans continue to make up the largest population of those who living with behavioral health challenges and are unsheltered in Contra Costa County. Our attempts to get specific funding for this group have been unsuccessful.

    With no money in our budget to address the non-clinical needs of African Americans/Black Americans in our county and the tireless efforts of volunteers and talented staff, we have managed to support a highly diverse and inappropriately served African American Community. We want to make sure that like other groups, those from the African American Community seeking mental health services can always reach out to a Peer or Family Member who share their lived experience. African American Contra Costa residents need to know how valuable they are to our community, and we want to make that a reality.

    A testimony from a local Contra Costa County African American resident underscores the great need for African American cultural support. Earlier this year, we facilitated a Mental Health 101 Training for African Americans at Easter Hill Church in Richmond. The following comes from a mom who was in attendance:

    In the past, I have reached out to several county programs and received no results. My son lives with depression, anxiety, and has a diagnosis of schizophrenia. He, like many who live with severe mental illness, denies the need for help. However, he does not live a fulfilling life and spends most of his time alone. After attending the training, I was able to connect with a NAMI CC staff member for the African American team and have utilized their ethnic specific resources. I can get support from their African American Family Support Group and my son has agreed and followed through with enrolling in the Peer-to-Peer course which gives him the tools he needs to better understand his mental illness and more importantly connect with others who understand. He is now more eager to connect to his purpose and create a plan for his life that better fulfills him. This has resulted in improvement in both his and my own mental health.

    NAMI CC relies on the generosity of individuals like you to continue our work. Our goal for July through October is to raise $100,000 through this campaign to better meet the behavioral health needs of the Black community. All donations are tax-deductible and can be made by visiting our website (www.namicontracosta.org/donate), sending payment directly to our Chase Account through Zelle (510-990-2670), or by mailing a check to: 2151 Salvio Street. Ste. V, Concord, CA 94520, which will allow NAMI CC to continue its mission:

    To provide support, outreach, education and advocacy to individuals, families, and the broader community impacted by mental illness.

    Sincerely,

    Gigi R. Crowder, Chief Executive Officer

    La Tanyua Brown-Thompson, NAMI CC Board of Directors President

  • Notice: Office Hours On July 15

    Notice: Office Hours On July 15

    Dear Community Members,

    Please be advised that the NAMI CC (National Alliance on Mental Illness, Contra Costa) office will close early on July 15th at 4 PM in of our Mental Health 101 for LGBTQ+ communities event. Read more about it here:

    Mental Health 101 LGBTQ+ Event

    If you have any concerns on July 15th after our office closes, please do not hesitate to call us at (925) 942-0767. Though the office will be closed earlier than usual, we will resume operations on July 16th as usual.

    Thank you for your understanding and support.

    Sincerely,
    The NAMI CC Team
    info@namicontracosta.org
    (925) 942-0767

  • President’s Column – July 2025

    President’s Column – July 2025

    By La Tanyua Brown-Thompson, NAMI Contra Costa Board of Directors President

    Breaking the Silence: The Reality of Mental Health in BIPOC Communities

    Each July, National BIPOC Mental Health Awareness Month offers a chance to raise awareness, foster dialogue, and spotlight the deep-rooted disparities that continue to affect People of Color across the United States. But for those of us living this reality every day, it’s more than just a month. It’s a fight for equity, dignity, and healing in a system not built by us or for us.

    For many BIPOC individuals, mental health is more than a diagnosis. It’s a layered experience shaped by cultural expectations, generational trauma, limited access to care, and economic barriers. It’s living in a world that stigmatizes both your skin and your struggle.

    In many of our cultures, mental health is not a topic openly discussed. Instead, it’s misunderstood, minimized, or even ignored. We are told to “pray it away,” “toughen up,” or that “what happens in this house stays in this house.” But silence does not heal wounds; it deepens them.

    For countless BIPOC individuals, one of the most significant barriers to mental health care is financial. Many cannot afford therapy, counseling, or mental health treatment, let alone find culturally competent providers. And even when help is available, the chances of finding someone who looks like us and who understands our lived experience are scarce.

    Stigma in BIPOC communities doesn’t come from one direction; it comes from many. We are stigmatized for needing help, for being “too emotional,” for speaking up, and for showing weakness. And on top of that, we face external stigma from a society that already marginalizes our voices.

    This double stigma, internal and external, keeps many of us suffering in silence.

    This Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, we have a collective opportunity and responsibility to ignite change. Discuss mental health in your social circles. And if you need support, reach out because you are not alone.

    Let’s break the silence, break the stigma, and begin the work of healing together.

  • Mental Health 101 for LGBTQ+ Community

    Mental Health 101 for LGBTQ+ Community

    Mental Health 101

    Join us for a Mental Health 101 session designed for the LGBTQ+ community!

    This event is designed to provide information about mental health, what it is and is not, and how it manifests in the LGBTQ+ community.

    We will discuss community-defined strategies and advance our efforts to partner with churches as they commit to being LGBTQ+ affirming, Mental Health-Friendly Congregations, etc.

    Our office will close early at 4 PM for this event.

    Time & Location

    When: Tuesday, July 15th, 5 PM – 8 PM

    Where: Danville Congregational Church at 989 San Ramon Valley Blvd, Danville, CA 94526 and online.

    Zoom Link Information

    Topic: Mental Health 101 – Danville Congregational Church
    Time: Jul 15, 2025 05:00 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)

    Meeting ID: 838 8837 0774

    Click to Join Zoom Meeting
  • Notice: Office Hours On July 8

    Notice: Office Hours On July 8

    Dear Community Members,

    Please be advised that the NAMI CC (National Alliance on Mental Illness, Contra Costa) office will be closed tomorrow morning, July 8th, until 12 PM in support of the California Coalition for Care in advocating for the Oakley Delta Road Project.

    We ask that you join us tomorrow at 9:00 AM for the hearing at the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors Meeting, 1025 Escobar St., Martinez, CA. Join us virtually, if not in-person, by Zoom (https://cccounty-us. zoom.us/j/89586041575#success) or phone (888-278-0254 access code 843298#).

    Join us in speaking up to save the $43+ Million Behavioral Healthcare Infrastructure Grant For Oakley Delta Road Project. We have worked for years together with the California Coalition for Care and dreamed that a project such as this could be built in East County. The East County Project, also known as the Delta Recovery Center, is currently in jeopardy and is located at the edge of Oakley. It was previously awarded $43 million dollars as a launch-ready project as required for submission. We researched extensively in Contra Costa based on years of experience in community planning and recent needs assessments for the specialty behavioral health population. Additionally, we placed a strong emphasis on equity and East County disparities in our planning.

    Zoom Link

    If you have any concerns on July 8th, please do not hesitate to call us at (925) 942-0767. Though the office will be closed during the morning, we will resume operations on July 8th as usual at 12 PM.

    Thank you for your understanding and support.

    Sincerely,
    The NAMI CC Team
    info@namicontracosta.org
    (925) 942-0767

    More About The Cause

    The California Coalition for Care includes multiple individual grassroots and formal organizations from across the state. We represent families, peers, providers, and community members who support the reform and transformation of the California Behavioral Health system. Many of us are current or former members of local mental health boards and commissions, and we have had interactions with local, state, and national committees over the past 20 to 25 years.

    We work with all layers of local, state, and federal policy makers and stakeholders for the collective vision of home, health, and healing to finally be achieved for all who live heroically with severe mental illnesses and/or substance use disorders. We do not believe that California has achieved its promise to our loved ones, families, and communities, which is why we fully support the current behavioral health reforms of Proposition 1.

    We support all efforts to strengthen and expand equity, access, and inclusion for all California residents and communities. Our primary focus is a fully funded continuum of care, encompassing both hospital-based and community-based services. We also support a tiered system of “Housing That Heals” that will provide both recovery and medically necessary treatment and care that will help prevent homelessness, incarceration, unnecessary institutionalization, and suffering.

    We are authentic “Partners in Care” who demand the right to treatment before tragedy. We will no longer settle for a system that is designed to fail, jail, treat, and street our friends and loved ones. We support building a compassionate continuum of care for ALL families like ours.

    Who are families like ours? We are those whose loved ones have developed no-fault severe brain disorders that can rob their voluntary decision-making capacity to seek safety and care. We are those told we would be lucky to get our adult children into the criminal justice system because those are the beds that never say “no.” We drive across the state to visit our children in locked facilities and state hospitals because there are no alternative options in our communities.

    We desperately try to prevent our loved ones from being forced into jail cells, streets, or coffins. We are housing providers, unpaid caregivers, and “curbside caregivers” who search the streets calling out the names of our beloved family members.

    We are an action partnership that will work with local, state, and federal officials to educate about the discrimination that is driving despair, disparities, disability, and death of people who live heroically with severe mental illnesses and substance use disorders. We achieve this by mobilizing other organized supporters and the vast majority of Californians who already share our concerns and values.

    Below is some of the data that supports the need for Contra Costa to accept every penny of state money, especially in East County:

    • 39% of Medi-Cal beneficiaries live in East County
      • 40% of CCBHS consumers live in East County
    • One of the primary findings from the community listening sessions we did for the opioid settlement funds was for more services in East County.
      • We heard stories of people who tried to access detox beds in West County, but by the time they arrived, the beds were no longer available.
    • The County spends at least $19 million per year on out-of-county placements, with over 200 individuals placed out of county at any given time.
      • More than half of these individuals are in locked settings from San Diego to Humboldt. (Source: BHCIP Needs Assessment, CARE Court planning data)
    • There are over 2,500 individuals in the County jail who are referred for detention mental health services annually. Approximately 40 of these clients require services in a locked and/or residential setting each year. (Source: BHCIP Needs Assessment) Due to systemic racial biases, many of these individuals are from BIPOC Communities.
    • There are approximately 1,600 individuals with serious mental illness (predominantly schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders) who are experiencing crisis, hospitalization, and incarceration, who require intensive specialty mental health services to address their mental health needs (Source: CARE Court planning data)

    Contact us for further information: Gigi Crowder (gigi@namicontracosta.org), Teresa Pasquini, and Lauren Rettagliata (housingthatheals@gmail.com). Thank you!

  • Notice: Office Hours for July 3-5, 2025

    Notice: Office Hours for July 3-5, 2025

    Dear Community Members,

    Please be advised that the NAMI CC (National Alliance on Mental Illness, Contra Costa) office will be closed at 3 PM on Thursday, July 3, 2025, Friday, July 4, 2025, and Saturday, July 5, 2025, in observance of Independence Day.

    As we celebrate our nation’s independence, we also encourage you to take time to focus on your mental wellness. Simple acts of self-care, such as enjoying time outdoors, connecting with loved ones, or reflecting on personal growth, can support your mental health and well-being.

    If you have any concerns during our closure, please don’t hesitate to call us at (925) 942-0767. While our office will be closed, we remain available to support you.

    We will reopen and resume regular operations on Monday, July 7, 2025.

    Thank you for your understanding.

    Sincerely,
    The NAMI CC Team
    info@namicontracosta.org
    (925) 942-0767

  • Notice: Office Closed On June 26

    Notice: Office Closed On June 26

    Dear Community Members,

    Please be advised that the NAMI CC (National Alliance on Mental Illness, Contra Costa) office will be closed on Thursday, June 26th to support and advocate for the Arboleda and Wilson families.

    We ask that you join us tomorrow at 8:00 AM for the hearing at 8:30 AM in Dept. 10 (1st floor) of the Martinez Courthouse, located at 725 Court St, Martinez, CA 94553. There is free parking available.

    For some context and background, please read the following article: kqed.org/news/12033616/former-contra-costa-deputy-released-early-after-fatal-2018-shooting-sparking-outrage

    KQED Article

    NAMI CC plans to gather in community and in support of the Arboleda and Wilson families before and after the hearing. We are reaching out to the press and are unsure of the level of news coverage, but we will have posters and will prepare to speak on this issue and the need to separate the sheriff-coroner. Please feel free to spread the word to volunteers, interns, and community members and email me with any questions or concerns.

    If you have any concerns on June 26th, please do not hesitate to call us at (925) 942-0767. Though the office will be closed during the morning, we will resume operations on Thursday, June 26th as usual.

    Thank you for your understanding and support.

    Sincerely,
    The NAMI CC Team
    info@namicontracosta.org
    (925) 942-0767

  • Mental Health 101 for Latinx Faith Communities

    Mental Health 101 for Latinx Faith Communities

    Roca Eterna Ministries Presents…
    Roca Eterna Ministries presenta….

    Mental Health 101

    A Free Mental Health Awareness Event Addressing the Behavioral Health Needs of Latinx in Contra Costa County.

    Una charla para lo concientización de salud mental para la comunidad latina abordando las necesidades de salud mental de los latinos en el Condado de Contra Costa.

    Time & Location / Fechas y Horario

    July 12, 2025 | 10 AM – 2 PM / 12 de Julio, 2025 | 10AM – 2PM

    Location/Ubicación:
    Roca Eterna Ministries
    908 Carpino Ave Pittsburg, CA, 94565

    About This Event

    English

    This event will have Music from Roca Worship and Free Lunch and will feature two featured speakers, Pastor Claudia Escobedo and Amalia Marroquin, LCSW.

    This event is designed to provide information about mental health, what it is and is not, and how it manifests in the Latinx community.

    We will discuss community-defined strategies and advance our efforts to partner with Churches as they commit to being Mental Health-Friendly Congregations and take on the challenge.

    Spanish/Español

    Este evento contará con música de Roca Worship y Free un Almuerzo Gratis, y tendrá como oradoras principales a la Pastora Claudia Escobedo y a Amalia Marroquín, LCSW.

    Este evento es diseñado para proveer información sobre la salud mental, qué es y qué no es, y cómo se presenta en la comunidad Latina.

    Hablaremos sobre estrategias definidas por la comunidad y avanzaremos nuestros esfuerzos para colaborar con Iglesias a medida que se comprometen a ser Congregaciones Amigables con la Salud Mental.

    RSVP Requested

    Your RSVP is requested for this event. Please link on the button/link to confirm your attendance.

    Se solicita confirmación de asistencia. Haz clic en el enlace para confirmar ahora.

    RSVP Now

    More Information/Mas Informaćion

    For more information, contact luis.marroquin@namicontracosta.org (English) or james@namicontracosta.org (Spanish).

    Para más información contacte luis.marroquin@namicontracosta.org (Inglés) ou james@namicontracosta.org (Español)

  • President’s Column – June 2025

    President’s Column – June 2025

    By La Tanyua Brown-Thompson, NAMI Contra Costa President

    A Month of Truth, Healing, and Advocacy

    June holds deep meaning for many of us. It is a month marked by PTSD Awareness, Pride Month, and Juneteenth, three distinct observances that intersect through shared experiences of trauma, resilience, advocacy, and the human need to be seen and valued. While they speak to different histories and communities, they overlap in profound and undeniable ways.

    PTSD Awareness: Trauma That Doesn’t Always Look Like Trauma

    Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is often misunderstood as something that only affects veterans or those who’ve experienced war. But trauma shows up in many forms; racism, homophobia, systemic oppression, and ongoing discrimination can all leave deep emotional scars.

    Both the African American and LGBTQ+ communities carry generational and lived trauma. We have often felt forced to shrink ourselves, silence our voices, and mask our truths to survive. Many of us have learned to hide who we are to avoid harm, Whether in a workplace, a church, a family, or society at large.

    Trauma doesn’t go away because we’ve adapted to it. And just because someone appears to be functioning doesn’t mean they are not still carrying the weight of what they’ve been through. PTSD Awareness Month calls us to recognize this reality and respond with compassion, education, and support.

    Pride Month: Visibility, Resistance, and the Power of Identity

    Pride Month is a celebration, but it is also a protest, a remembrance of the Stonewall Riots of 1969, where members of the LGBTQ+ community fought back against police brutality and societal rejection. “Pride” means more than rainbow flags; it means reclaiming the right to exist without shame or fear.

    Yet, even today, many LGBTQ+ individuals continue to face rejection, violence, and injustice. Some are disowned by family, unwelcomed by faith communities, or targeted simply for being visible. This is not just a cultural or political issue; it is a mental health issue. The constant pressure to justify your existence takes a toll.

    We must do better within our communities. Pride is not just about celebration; it’s about creating space, providing safety, and affirming the dignity of every identity.

    Juneteenth: The Celebration and Question of Freedom

    Juneteenth, commemorated on June 19, marks the day in 1865 when enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, finally learned they were free two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued. It’s a day of celebration, but it is also a harsh reality of delayed justice.

    As an African American woman, I am proud of how far we’ve come. But I also wonder: Are we truly free? Or have we simply been granted more rights than those who came before us?

    The trauma of slavery, segregation, and systemic racism still lingers. And while Juneteenth honors a historic victory, it also challenges us to examine the modern-day barriers that continue to deny complete freedom to African Americans, whether in education, healthcare, employment, or safety.

    You Are Not Alone

    If you or someone you know is struggling, please know there is help available:

    LGBTQ Support Group

    Friday Support Groups via Zoom – 2:30 p.m.

    Contact: Olivia Henderson | 925.765.9980 | olivia.henderson@namicontracosta.org

    African American Family Support Group

    Contact: Gigi Crowder | 510.990.2670 | gigi@namicontracosta.org

    Let June be more than a month of recognition. Let it be a call to healing, understanding, and change.

  • Notice: Office Closed for Juneteenth

    Notice: Office Closed for Juneteenth

    Dear Community Members,

    Please be advised that the NAMI CC (National Alliance on Mental Illness, Contra Costa) office will be closed on Thursday, June 19, 2025, in observance of the federal holiday, Juneteenth. Join our Juneteenth celebration on June 22, 2025 at the adjacent park. Additionally, we will be closed on Friday, June 20 due to our annual Staff Retreat. We will resume normal business hours (8:30 am to 7 pm Monday through Thursday, 8:30 am to 4 pm Friday and 10:00 am to 2:00 pm Saturday) on the following Monday, June 23, 2025.

    Juneteenth Event

    Juneteenth is a time to honor freedom, reflect on history, and celebrate resilience. We also encourage you to use this day to focus on your mental wellness. Whether it’s taking a moment to practice mindfulness, connecting with loved ones, or simply resting, prioritizing your mental health is essential.

    Should you find yourself struggling to find culturally diverse and linguistic peer specialist support for your loved one or yourself, please contact us. A trained staff member or volunteer can work with you to help navigate the various government resource services to get you the help you need. Please call us at (925) 942-0767 or use our contact form on our Contact Us page.

    We will reopen and resume regular operations on Monday, June 23, 2025.

    Thank you for your understanding.

    Sincerely,
    The NAMI CC Team
    info@namicontracosta.org
    (925) 942-0767

  • June Events: Pride and Juneteenth!

    June Events: Pride and Juneteenth!

    Join Us for June Mental Health Awareness events: PRIDE and Juneteenth!

    Here are some events we would like to share with you and hope you can join us for this month!

    1. [Tomorrow!] Pride in the Plaza

    Louder and prouder! Join us for Pride in the Plaza, which will be tomorrow on June 7th, 12 PM to 4 PM at Todos Santos Plaza. The event will be featuring vendors, performances, live DJ, kids area, and food! NAMI CC will be tabling resources at Pride in the plaza tomorrow from 12 PM to 4 PM.

    This event is held by the Rainbow Community Center, our community partner.

    More About Our Community Partner:
    Rainbow Community Center
    rcc@rainbowcc.org
    (925) 692-0090
    2380 Salvio Street, Suite 301
    Concord, CA 94520
    Drop in hours 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM, Monday through Friday.

    2. [June 22] Juneteenth

    juneteenth flyer

    If you did not see the front page Juneteenth post, the information is here too!

    NAMI CC and Sponsors bring to you Concord 2025 Juneteenth, a FREE Celebration commemorating African Americans’ Quest for Freedom, amplifying the voice of the Black Male!

    The event will be held on Sunday, June 22 from 12 PM – 5 PM at Todos Santos Plaza and will feature Live Entertainment, Vendor Booths, Music & Dance, Food Trucks, and Fun Games.

    There’s more information on our Juneteenth post! We hope to see you at our Juneteenth celebration!

    Juneteenth Post

    3. Learn about how we support our LGBTQ+ community!

    PRIDE SAVES LIVES. Belonging, Inclusivity, Community, Support – This Is A Safe Space. NAMI CC is proud to stand alongside our LGBTQIA+ friends and family!

  • NAMI CA Townhall with Department of State Hospitals

    NAMI CA Townhall with Department of State Hospitals

    Good morning NAMI CC Members, friends, and families,

    NAMI California will host a Virtual Townhall led by Department of State Hospitals on Wednesday, June 4th at 12:00 PM PST. The Department of State will provide an overview of the department, highlight efforts to expand its continuum of care, and share information about the Financial Assistance Program.

    Speakers include:

    • Chris Edens (she/hers) – Chief Deputy Director, Program Services | California Department of State Hospitals
    • Brent Houser – Chief Deputy Director, Operations | California Department of State Hospitals

    We encourage you and your staff to attend for more information. The Zoom Webinar registration link is below:

    https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_FBzr7nCFQlK0iyuTY8khUg

    Click to Register

    For questions, please email programs@namica.org.

  • [Join Us!] Concord 2025 Juneteenth

    [Join Us!] Concord 2025 Juneteenth

    NAMI CC and Sponsors bring to you Concord 2025 Juneteenth, a FREE Celebration commemorating African Americans’ Quest for Freedom, amplifying the voice of the Black Male!

    Time & Location

    Sunday, June 22 from 12 PM – 5 PM at Todos Santos Plaza

    2175 Willow Pass Rd,
    Concord, CA 94520

    What You Can Expect

    Here are some things you can look forward to at our Juneteenth celebration:

    • Live Entertainment
    • Vendor Booths
    • Music & Dance
    • Food Trucks
    • Fun Games

    Special Guests

    • Rose Royce – Featured Artist
    • J Red – Comedian
    • Mistah F.A.B. – Inspirational Speaker

    Sponsors

    A special thank you to our sponsors, in alphabetical order, who are helping us make this event happen!

    • African Society
    • Black Caucus, ATU 1555
    • Black Minds Matter 2 (BMM2!)
    • Concord Communities Alliance
    • Carlyn OBringer, Concord City Council
    • John Muir Health
    • IBEW 302 – International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers of Contra Costa County
    • Laura Nakamura, Concord City Council
    • Pablo Benavente for Concord City Council

    We hope to see you there!

  • Notice: Office Closed for Memorial Day

    Notice: Office Closed for Memorial Day

    Dear Community Members,

    The NAMI CC office will be Closed in observance of the federal holiday, Memorial Day, on Monday. May 26, 2025. We appreciate our Veterans for their service and are always here for support. We will reopen and resume regular operations on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 (8:30 am to 7 pm Monday through Thursday, 8:30 am to 4 pm Friday and 10:00 am to 2:00 pm Saturday).

    For Veteran mental health support, education, outreach and advocacy please contact our
    own, Phil Arnold, Philip H Arnold Jr, Certified Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist MPSS-
    MVJZYQ, AAUP Liaison & Veteran Outreach Coordinator, 925-202-4349.

    Should you find yourself struggling to find culturally diverse and linguistic peer specialist support for your loved one or yourself, please contact us. A trained staff member or volunteer can work with you to help navigate the various government resource services to get you the help you need. Please call us at (925) 942-0767 or use our contact form on our Contact Us page of our website, www.namicontracosta.org.

    Thank you for your understanding.

    Sincerely,
    The NAMI CC Team
    info@namicontracosta.org
    (925) 942-0767

  • President’s Column – May 2025

    President’s Column – May 2025

    By La Tanyua Brown-Thompson, NAMI Contra Costa President

    Walking Through Life: A Conversation on Self-Care

    In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, I want to discuss the importance of self-care, not as a quick fix but as a lifestyle. Self-care has taught me to slow down, listen to my body, and begin the inner healing process.

    I remember my first hike seven years ago as if it were yesterday. More than the physical walk, I remember my internal conversation with myself. I was uncomfortable because I was in unfamiliar territory. I didn’t know how long the trail would be or where it would lead. That moment helped me realize how much hiking mirrors life. Sometimes you feel alone, unsure, and without direction. You can’t always call on family or friends, especially when you’re walking a path they’ve never traveled.

    But along the way, I met people who knew the area and could answer my questions. That reminded me how in life, the right people support you through the season you’re in. During that walk, I quieted the noise in my mind, listened to my body, gained clarity, and found space to heal. I learned to navigate, discovered shortcuts, and made connections that became lasting friendships. The walk, and being in nature, brought peace, clarity, and strength.

    Even when I felt alone, I would look down and see footprints, bike tire tracks, or hear a dog running in the distance. Those were gentle reminders that others had walked or were on this path too. I wasn’t alone.

    Another lesson I learned was the importance of wearing the right shoes. When I first started walking, I was on pavement and wore everyday tennis shoes. But hiking required shoes that gripped the ground and evenly distributed body weight. Just like shoes, you need the right people for your season. One friend may help with your wellness, another with your finances. Make sure the people around you align with where you’re going, not just where you’ve been.

    Some of my favorite times to walk are in the morning, before or after a tough conversation, when I feel stuck, when I need to calm down, when I’m seeking clarity, or when I need to reconnect with myself.

    Walking has become more than movement. It’s a safe space to reconnect with my heart, purpose, and peace.

    This month, I invite you to try one self-care practice. Start small. Listen to your body. Learn from your own experience and give yourself permission to heal—one step at a time.

  • June 2025 AAPI Monthly Seminar

    June 2025 AAPI Monthly Seminar

    NAMI CC AAPI Monthly Seminar

    Ask A Psychiatrist / 解码心灵——
    何若秀医生线上答疑讲座

    Live Mental Health Expert Q&A with Dr. Xiu Lowe（何若秀医生）

    When & Where

    时间：

    6/1/2024, Sunday 六月一号，星期日
    (PDT) 3 PM Start

    美西时间3:00 PM
    美东时间6:00PM
    北京时间6:00AM

    On Zoom/在Zoom

    Zoom ID/会议 ID： 853 1593 0057
    Password/密码： 488957

    Speaker/讲座: Dr. Xiu Lowe

    • Senior Psychiatrist of Kaiser Permanente Kaiser / 资深精神科临床医生
    • Expert in molecular biologic research research of genetic diseases /分子生物遗传疾病研究科学家

    Questions Answered:

    • Main treatment approaches for mental health disorders / 精神心理疾病的主要治疗方法
    • How to understand the role of psychiatric medication / 如何看待精神类药物的作用
    • How to find the right therapist / 如何寻找到适合的治疗师
    • Key factors in recovery from mental health conditions / 精神心理疾病的康复因素
    NAMI CC AAPI Team's Monthly Seminar Flyer in English
    NAMI CC AAPI Team's Monthly Seminar Flyer in Mandarin Chinese
  • About TD Awareness Week 2025

    About TD Awareness Week 2025

    Dear NAMI CC Supporter, Family Member and Friend,

    NAMI CC (NAMI Contra Costa) has received a $5,000 grant and is committed to reducing stigma so that those who live with Tardive Dyskinesia can move more freely, with others having a broader understanding of the medical condition. We will not be silent as we share education about how you can support those with TD. We will incorporate information about TD not just through the month of May but included in all of our education programs. 

    About TD Awareness Week 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. Learn more: TalkAboutTD.com #Screen4TD

    May 4-10, 2025, marks the 8th annual TD Awareness Week, a week dedicated to elevating discussion on TD to reduce stigma and empower the at least 800,000 adults in the U.S. impacted by the condition. May is also Mental Health Awareness Month, and as we work to increase awareness and support for those impacted by mental health conditions, it’s important to remember that those living with a mental health condition who have taken necessary antipsychotic medication may develop or may already have TD.

    Tardive Dyskensia infographic about how 800,000 people in the USA are living with tardive dyskinesia.

    Tardive dyskinesia (TD) is an involuntary movement disorder that is characterized by uncontrollable movements of the face, torso, limbs and fingers or toes. The condition is associated with use of antipsychotic medication that may be necessary to treat individuals living with mental illnesses such as bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder. TD is estimated to affect at least 800,000 adults in the United States. Of those living with TD, approximately 60% remain undiagnosed.

    Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc. is dedicated to providing education and eliminating stigma associated with TD during TD Awareness Week (May 4–10, 2025) and throughout the year. As part of this awareness week, we are committed to increasing routine screenings to improve earlier recognition and diagnosis of TD. While Neurocrine Biosciences focuses on ongoing efforts to educate about TD, we recognize the first full week in May as another opportunity to inspire others to eliminate stigma associated with TD and elevate the importance of routine screening for TD to improve earlier diagnosis. Follow and join the conversation online by sharing #TDAwarenessWeek and #Screen4TD. Thank you for your participation in efforts to raise awareness of Mental Health Awareness Month and TD Awareness Week.

    Mental health continues to be a significant challenge in the U.S., and it is important to include TD in the conversation because of the physical, social and emotional impacts this disorder can have on people trying to maintain mental health stability with antipsychotic medication. Earlier recognition and treatment of TD can make a positive impact for many
    people living with a mental illness, including in the lives of their loved ones and care partners.

    More information about TD is available at Neurocrine.com/TD-awareness, and resources can be accessed at TalkAboutTD.com.

    Infographic Sheet 1 for TD Awareness Week 2025
    Infographic Sheet 2 for TD Awareness Week 2025

  • Join our AAPI Mental Health Crash Course!

    Join our AAPI Mental Health Crash Course!

    We welcome all Mandarin and Chinese speakers to join our Mental Health Crash Course, led in Mandarin Chinese!

    The Crash Course is a free, one-time seminar that introduces Contra Costa’s mental health resources. It will be held on May 18 from 1:30 – 3:00p.m. and will be taught in Mandarin. It’s open to anyone with questions about the system. Participants receive helpful materials and learn about mental illness, available services, housing and treatment options, legal processes, 911, 5150, and LPS law.

    Meeting Information

    The meeting will be held over Zoom.

    Meeting ID: 844 3585 1729
    Passcode: 451621

    对精神疾病有疑问吗？

    这门速成课程将在线上介绍康郡心理健康系统的各种资源，任何对该系统有疑问的人都可以参加。课程为免费的一次性研讨会，授课语言为中文，旨在为大家提供丰富的信息和建议，帮助处理相关案件。课程内容包括：精神疾病的基本知识、如何有效利用可用资源、住房与治疗选择、法律体系、911流程、5150流程以及LPS法律等。

    会议ID: 844 3585 1729
    密码: 451621

    NAMI CC AAPI Team's Mental Health Crash Course Flyer in Standard Chinese.
    NAMI CC AAPI team's Mental Health Crash Course flyer in English.

  • Recognizing TD Awareness Week 2025

    Recognizing TD Awareness Week 2025

    Dear NAMI CC Supporter, Family Member and Friend,

    NAMI CC (NAMI Contra Costa) has received a $5,000 grant and is committed to reducing stigma so that those who live with Tardive Dyskinesia can move more freely, with others having a broader understanding of the medical condition. We will not be silent as we share education about how you can support those with TD. We will incorporate information about TD not just through the month of May but included in all of our education programs. 

    May 4-10, 2025, Is Tardive Dyskinesia (TD) Awareness Week

    We are proud to recognize May 4-10, 2025, as Tardive Dyskinesia (TD) Awareness Week to reduce stigma and empower those impacted by the condition.

    TD is an involuntary movement disorder that is characterized by uncontrollable movements of the face, torso, limbs and fingers or toes. 1-4 The condition is associated with use of antipsychotic medication that may be necessary to treat individuals living with mental illnesses such as bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder. 3,5*

    TD is estimated to affect at least 800,000 adults in the United States. 2,6 Of those living with TD, approximately 60% remain undiagnosed. 6

    By declaring the first full week of May as TD Awareness Week, NAMI CC is helping to:

    • Provide education and decrease stigma surrounding TD.
    • Advocate for the need for routine screenings to help improve earlier recognition and diagnosis of TD.
    • Empower the mental health community to discuss the impact of TD.
    • Raise awareness of the availability of U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved treatments for TD.

    May is also Mental Health Awareness Month, an important time to acknowledge the one in five U.S. adults living with a mental illness. 7

    The abnormal, involuntary and repetitive movements of TD can negatively impact people physically, socially and emotionally. 9 TD can affect one’s ability to work, drive, walk, button a shirt or eat and drink. 6 In a recent survey, 57% of diagnosed TD patients reported their social life was extremely negatively affected, 51% reported that their mental health had been extremely negatively affected and 45% stated that TD extremely negatively affected their ability to perform their job.†‡§ People living with TD may also feel judged and ashamed, adding to a sense of worry, isolation and stigma.1,9-12

    Thank you for your commitment to elevating the discussion on TD to reduce stigma and empower those impacted by the condition. We encourage everyone across Contra Costa County to acknowledge the first full week of May as TD Awareness Week. To learn more about mental illness and TD, visit TalkAboutTD.com.

    *Certain prescription medicines (metoclopramide and prochlorperazine) used to treat gastrointestinal disorders may also cause TD.13,14
    †Tardive Dyskinesia Patient ATU 2024 Wave 2. Target patients (diagnosed TD or suspected TD), n = 175.
    ‡Results based on a survey of 175 people with a confirmed TD diagnosis (n = 75) or with suspected TD (n = 100) who were asked to rate the effects of the condition on various aspects of life. Results shown include the number of responses among people with a confirmed TD diagnosis (n = 75) who rated a 6 or 7 on the scale to indicate that the aspect of life is “extremely negatively affected” by TD.
    §Responses based on survey question: “Since first experiencing [CONDITION], how have the following areas of your life been affected, if at all?” Please select your rating using a scale of 1 to 7 when 1 means “not at all affected” and 7 means “extremely negatively affected.” Results shown include the number of responses greater than or equal to 6 on the scale.

    REFERENCES
    1. Task Force on Tardive Dyskinesia. Tardive Dyskinesia: A Task Force Report of the American Psychiatric Association. Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Association; 1992.
    2. Cloud LJ, Zutshi D, Factor SA. Tardive dyskinesia: therapeutic options for an increasingly common disorder. Neurotherapeutics. 2014;11(1):166-176. doi:10.1007/s13311-013-0222-5
    3. American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. 5th ed. American Psychiatric Association; 2023.
    4. Guy W. ECDEU Assessment Manual for Psychopharmacology. Rev. 1976. U.S. Dept. of Health, Education, and Welfare, Public Health Service, Alcohol, Drug Abuse, and Mental Health Administration, National Institute of Mental Health, Psychopharmacology Research Branch, Division of Extramural Research Programs; 1976.
    5. Caroff SN, Hurford I, Lybrand J, Campbell EC. Movement disorders induced by antipsychotic drugs: implications of the CATIE schizophrenia trial. Neurol Clin. 2011;29(1):127-148. doi:10.1016/j.ncl.2010.10.002
    6. Data on file. Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc.
    7. Mental health by the numbers. National Alliance for Mental Illness. Updated April 2023. Accessed January 10, 2025. https://www.nami.org/learnmore/mental-health-by-the-numbers
    8. Reinert M, Fritze D, Nguyen T. The state of mental health in America: 2024 edition. Mental Health America. Accessed January 10, 2025. https://mhanational.org/sites/default/files/2024-State-of-Mental-Health-in-America-Report.pdf
    9. Ascher-Svanum H, Zhu B, Faries D, Peng X, Kinon BJ, Tohen M. Tardive dyskinesia and the 3-year course of schizophrenia: results from a large, prospective, naturalistic study. J Clin Psychiatry. 2008;69(10):1580-1588. doi:10.4088/jcp.v69n1008
    10. Boumans CE, de Mooij KJ, Koch PA, van’t Hof MA, Zitman FG. Is the social acceptability of psychiatric patients decreased by orofacial dyskinesia? Schizophr Bull. 1994;20(2):339-344.
      doi:10.1093/schbul/20.2.339
    11. Yassa R. Functional impairment in tardive dyskinesia: medical and psychosocial dimensions.
      Acta Psychiatr Scand. 1989;80(1):64-67. doi:10.1111/j.1600-0447.1989.tb01301.x
    12. Citrome L. Clinical management of tardive dyskinesia: five steps to success. J Neurol Sci. 2017;383:199-204. doi:10.1016/j.jns.2017.11.019
    13. Kenney C, Hunter C, Davidson A, Jankovic J. Metoclopramide, an increasingly recognized cause of tardive dyskinesia. J Clin Pharmacol. 2008;48(3):379-384. doi:10.1177/0091270007312258
    14. Sanger GJ, Andrews PLR. A history of drug discovery for treatment of nausea and vomiting and the implications for future research. Front Pharmacol. 2018;9:913. doi:10.3389/fphar.2018.00913

    Infographic Sheet 1 for TD Awareness Week 2025
    Infographic Sheet 2 for TD Awareness Week 2025
  • April 2025 AAPI Monthly Seminar

    April 2025 AAPI Monthly Seminar

    6th Annual Mental Health Awareness Event at UC Berkeley

    This April, NAMI CC’s AAPI Team has invited guest speakers, Dr. Phillip Lowe and MK Wong, to speak for our 6th Annual Mental Health Awareness Event, this time held in-person at UC Berkeley!

    Time & Location

    The event will be held on April 25th, 2025 at UC Berkeley in VLSB (Valley Life Sciences Building) Room 2040 in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month.

    The event will last from 2 PM to 4 PM.

    About the Speakers

    About Dr. Phillip Lowe, PsyD:

    • Psychologist with a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Fuller Theological Seminary.
    • Active advocate for Asian mental health.
    • Mental health professional fluent in English, Mandarin, and Cantonese.

    About MK Wong:

    Chinese American artist and storyteller. Through personal narratives, MK highlights mental health, caregiving, and elder rights in the AAPI community, using visual storytelling to foster empathy and spark dialogue.

    第六届 NAMI CC 中文部

    心理健康意识月活动

    NAMI CC的中文部邀请了两位嘉宾 （Dr. Phillip Lowe和MK Wong） 亲自演讲在UC Berkeley!

    时间和地点

    2025年4月25日（星期五）下午2:00 – 4:00
    在 📍 UC Berkeley VLSB (Valley Life Sciences Building) Room 2040

    特邀嘉宾： Dr. Phillip Lowe, PsyD

    • 精神病学博士，富勒神学院临床心理学博士
    • 亚裔精神健康的积极倡导者
    • 流利使用英语、普通话和粤语的心理专家

    特邀嘉宾： MK Wong

    • 华裔美国移民艺术家
    • 通过亲身经历讲述心理健康、家庭照护

    AAPI Seminar's Flyer (April 2025)
    AAPI Seminar's Flyer (April 2025)
    AAPI Seminar's Flyer (April 2025)
    Seminar event flyer in Mandarin Chinese
  • President’s Column – April 2025

    President’s Column – April 2025

    By La Tanyua Brown-Thompson, NAMI Contra Costa President

    A Moment of Hope

    A lot is happening worldwide, and it can sometimes feel overwhelming. Many of us feel powerless, unheard, and uncertain about what the future holds. Yet, even in the darkest moments, there is still light.

    What I thought would be a simple afternoon trip to a local community park was much more. It became a moment of reflection, a life lesson, and, most importantly, a reminder that hope still exists.

    Sitting in the park for a couple of hours, I held back tears while watching innocent children play. At that moment, they were untouched by the chaos in the world. They laughed, ran, and connected, free from judgment, prejudice, or fear. They didn’t see color or difference. They saw classmates, neighbors, friends, or just another child.

    Watching them brought back memories of my childhood. I couldn’t help but wonder what happened to the world I once believed in. I began asking myself how long these children could enjoy this freedom before the world taught them otherwise. Before they were exposed to hate, injustice, or the painful reality of racism. Before, their sense of safety would be replaced by fear or unresolved trauma.

    As adults, parents, caretakers, and members of the community, these thoughts should weigh heavily on all of our hearts. What can we do to protect our children? When and how do we begin to prepare them for the truth of the world they are growing up in? And how do we do so in a way that preserves the purity of who they are, their joy, and the greatness within them?

    In that moment of reflection, I turned inward and leaned on a tool that has guided me through many of life’s difficult seasons. It’s a resource I continue to use today that brings clarity, healing, and strength. I recommend this powerful visual exercise, a circle within a circle. The outer circle represents what is outside of our control, and the inner circle represents what is within our control. Recognizing the difference has tremendous power.

    We cannot control the world, the actions of others, or persistent systemic issues. But we can control how we respond. We can choose to show up with intention, love, and purpose. We can inspire, encourage, educate, and empower our children to believe in themselves. We can help them understand who they are at their core. We can teach them to respect themselves and others, to value community, and to create safe spaces where they are seen, heard, and celebrated.

    Most importantly, we can teach them to never let the world change who they are or how they see others. We must remind them they are never alone and their voice matters. Even in the face of adversity, they can find strength, and even when hope feels distant, they can carry it within or be the light and hope for someone else.

    I invite you to try this simple yet powerful practice with your child or yourself. Draw a circle. Inside that circle, draw another. Label the outer circle “What’s Outside My Control” and the inner circle “What’s Within My Control.” Fill in each space with what applies to your current experiences. Then, spend time daily focusing on your inner circle—your power, influence, and choices.

    What we focus on and feed will always grow. Let that inner circle become your anchor, your light, and your moment of hope.

  • [4/15] Raise Your Voice for African American-Led Organizations

    [4/15] Raise Your Voice for African American-Led Organizations

    Join us in our second demand to create funding opportunities for African American-led Organizations. As we wait for the African American Holistic Wellness Hub, we can’t settle for less than what others receive. Allies are welcome to join our voices.

    We need over 40 voices speaking up on Tuesday! We need allies, accomplices, and especially black males who are the most harmed and therefore have the most to lose by not having representation.

    When

    Tuesday, April 15, 2025 at 9:15 AM.

    If you are unable to attend in-person, please join us via Zoom.

    Copy and paste this link or click the button below to join: https://cccounty-us.zoom/s/89586041575

    Or call in: 888-278-0254
    Access code: 843298#

    Join Zoom link for Board of Supervisors

    where

    Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors Administration Building
    1025 Escobar St.,
    Martinez, CA 94553

    what is happening, and why is it important?

    An excerpt from our file:

    What are we asking you to do?

    • Our request to you is to provide verbal and/or written public comment to the Supervisors, expressing the necessity of urging them to support funding for
    • African American Innovation Programs
    • Keep in mind that public comment will be limited to two minutes per speaker, so select a few of the points to focus on, and add your own story about why you care about this issue, and why you support this request.
    • When one suffers, all suffer. If you believe and support that, please join us in this call to action by participating at the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisor Meeting on Tuesday, April 15th, and every following Tuesday that a meeting is held until we get what we deserve.

    Read this linked pdf to learn more about our cause.

    Why we’re advocating

  • Notice: Office Closed On April 15

    Notice: Office Closed On April 15

    Dear Community Members,

    Please be advised that the NAMI CC (National Alliance on Mental Illness, Contra Costa) office will be closed on Tuesday, April 15th to advocate for funding opportunities for African American-led organizations.

    We invite all to join us in our call to action. More details are in the linked page below:

    Advocacy for African American-Led Organizations

    If you have any concerns on April 15th, please do not hesitate to call us at (925) 942-0767. Though the office will be closed during the morning, we will resume operations on Wednesday, April 16th as usual.

    Thank you for your understanding and support.

    Sincerely,
    The NAMI CC Team
    info@namicontracosta.org
    (925) 942-0767