1 in 4 adults will experience a mental health disorder in a given year.

1 in 5 families are directly affected by mental illness.

Half of all lifetime cases of mental illness begin by age 14, three-quarters by age 24.

5%-9% of children ages 5-17 are affected by mental illness.

Nearly 4 million individuals with a mental illness lack health insurance.

1 in 20 affected by mental illness are homeless. 1/3 of the homeless population has a mental illness.

Approximately 90% of adults with severe mental illness  (2.5 million) are unemployed.

95%-98% of homeless people with mental illness could live within the community with the correct treatment.

Between 25%-40% of all Americans with mental illness will at some point pass through the criminal justice system.

70%-90% of individuals affected with mental illness significantly improve their quality of life with the right treatment. The economic cost of untreated mental illness is more than 100 billion dollars each year in the USA. 

What We Do

NAMI Metropolitan Baltimore empowers individuals with mental illness, their families, and communities through support, education, and advocacy. For almost 30 years, it has established itself as one of the most active NAMI affiliates. Many of the national NAMI signature programs were piloted at NAMI Metropolitan Baltimore. We continue to develop innovative resources and community education tools that transform the lives of families and consumers living with the debilitating effects of mental illness.

Our Vision

In 2012, NAMI Metropolitan Baltimore will be recognized as a leader in Baltimore County and City in empowering families and consumers, and in eradicating the stigma attached to mental illness. Our leadership at all levels will be diverse, reflecting the populations we serve. Our funding will be stable and will increase to a level that adequately funds our operational and program needs. For Baltimore County and City families and consumers living with severe and chronic psychiatric disorders, NAMI Metropolitan Baltimore offers Hope for the Future.

Our Values

Empowering stakeholders

Peer-based and peer-run programs

Volunteer based

Family-oriented: the whole family

Grassroots and community driven

Families and consumers of mental health services as experts

NAMI Metropolitan Baltimore Staff

Linda Kohler: Executive Director: LKohler@namibaltimore.org

Deneice Valentine: Peer Education and Support Program Coordinator: DValentine@namibaltimore.org

Marisol Berrizbeitia: Peer Education and Support Program Associate: MBerrizbeitia@namibaltimore.org

Christine Merola: Community Outreach and Projects Coordinator: CMerola@namibaltimore.org

Claire Cullen:  Marketing and Events Coordinator: CCullen@namibaltimore.org