NAMI Lane County Seeking Donations for Ice Storm Damages
NAMI Lane County, located in downtown Springfield, was severely damaged during the January ice storm. Their resource center had severe water damage that will incur repair costs of over $25,000. They also lost all their resources including their library of over 750 books on mental health. They will be closed for all in-person activities and groups until April 1, 2024.
NAMI Lane County is reaching out to the community for support to help fund this unexpected disaster. The repair work is being discounted by both Dry Pro and Pacific Environmental Group. However, NAMI Lane County still has a large amount of funds to raise to cover the full cost of the repairs. They are also seeking donations of lost items, including mental health books, bookshelves, and office furniture.
To make a donation directly, please go to their website www.namilane.org
To make a donation of items, please reach out directly to:
Jennifer, Executive Director
541-285-0419
jennifermaclean@namilane.org
NAMI Lane County is continuing to offer online support groups and in-person support groups in Veneta, Cottage Grove, and (coming soon to) Oakridge. Their in-person support groups in Springfield have been relocated.
For the most up-to-date list of support groups and locations visit the programs portion of the website: www.namilane.org/programs
Staff will continuing to answer all email and phone messages Monday through Thursday, 10am-3pm. Please reach out directly with any questions for programming, resources, or mental health needs.
Email: resourcecenter@namilane.org
Phone: 541-343-7688
The organization thanks you for your support and understanding during this difficult time.
Photo credit: KEZI 9 News
NAMI Mission and History
NAMI was founded in Madison, Wisconsin by Harriet Shetler and Beverly Young. The two women both had sons diagnosed with schizophrenia, and “were tired of being blamed for their sons’ mental illness.” Unhappy with the lack of services available and the treatment of those living with mental illness, the women sought out others with similar concerns. The first meeting held to address these issues in mental health led to the formation of the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill in 1979. In 1997, the legal name was changed to the acronym, NAMI. Read more here.
