NAMI-NYC stands with protesters and community members who are demanding justice for George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Tony McDade, and incalculable numbers of other Black Americans killed by police. We share the pain, frustration, and grief felt by members of our Black communities across the nation and especially in New York City.

Racism is a serious public health crisis, and we recognize the impact racial trauma has on mental health. We also recognize the way racism drives the criminalization of mental illness and disparities in access to mental health services.

The ongoing and disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on communities of color is another tragic reminder of the deeply ingrained racial inequality in American society. NAMI-NYC is committed to dismantling this inequality by fighting for policies that include: universal healthcare for all, reducing the size of the NYPD’s budget in favor of funding community health programs, education, and affordable housing, and transforming our broken criminal justice system. We also acknowledge and are committed to fighting institutional racism within the mental health system. To continue to ignore the suffering and damage caused by centuries of systemic racism and anti-Blackness is unacceptable.

NAMI-NYC serves one of the most diverse cities in the world, and we will continue to do our best to meet the needs of all who seek our services. We understand that until Black Lives Matter, NAMI-NYC cannot fully achieve our mission to improve the lives of families and individuals impacted by mental illness.

We are committed to providing resources to Black community members in any way we can. We invite you to participate in our Black Minds Matter support group, or call our Helpline at 212-684-3264 to learn more about our many other support groups and classes.

We see you. We support you. We love you. You are not alone.

#BlackLivesMatter