NAMI California held its annual conference August 21 and 22 at the Marriott Newport Beach Hotel and Spa. The program was excellent, the speakers were inspiring, and the awards granted were well deserved. The conference and workshops addressed key topic areas from changes and progress in criminal justice to advocacy at the local, state and federal levels.

Speakers included Patrick Corrigan, William Beardslee, Waynee Lucero, Sam Cochran, Judge Lawrence Brown, Andrew Sperling, Mark Refowitz, Deandre Evans, Stan Collins, Gary Bess and Joseph Robinson. Powerpoints for many of the workshops can be found by CLICKING HERE. CDs and MP3s of the conference can be FOUND HERE. The full program agenda describing the topics discussed and sessions held can be seen HERE.

NAMI California is dedicated to the strengthening of local grass roots organizations. We provide updated information and support to local affiliates and are here to help organize new affiliates. NAMI California has 71 local affiliates and represents 19,000 people to the California Legislature and Governor on mental illness issues. NAMI California educates families, professionals and the public about the recent explosion of scientific evidence that shows serious mental illnesses are neurobiological brain disorders. NAMI California works to provide a strong, coherent system that offers a continuum of care for the persistent, long-term needs of people with mental illness. NAMI California advocates for increased research to uncover causes and new, effective treatments. NAMI California strives to eradicate stigma.