There are many ways that caring people can help NAMI Maryland and persons with serious mental illness. Some suggestions:

• If you are a family or person directly affected by mental illness, join your local NAMI affiliate. See our list of NAMI Maryland affiliates You can participate in support groups and advocate with us on behalf of mentally ill persons.
  
• If you are interested in our cause, you are invited to become a member of NAMI. You will receive our newsletter and can participate in education and advocacy activities.
  
• If you know of families with this problem, tell them about NAMI.
  
• Help combat stigma by objecting to negative stereotyping of persons with mental illness. Tactfully correct misunderstandings about mental illness.
  
• If you are a mental health professional, display and distribute NAMI brochures. Brochures can be obtained from the NAMI Maryland office or your local affiliate. See About NAMI Maryland for our phone numbers and address, or contact your local affiliate.
  
• If you are an employer, hire persons with mental illness for low stress jobs. There can be tax advantages for private employers.
  
• As a taxpayer, support funds for a good community-based support system and research to further understanding of the cause and treatment of mental illness.
  
• If you are a homeowner, welcome supervised housing or a group home in your neighborhood. People with mental illness can be good neighbors.
  
• If you want to make a donation, please call us at 1-800-467-0075 and ask that a donation envelope be mailed to you.
  The donation may be made in memory or in honor of a person you designate. You can make the donation by check or credit card. If you wish, the donation by credit card may be made over the telephone.
  Thank you for your generosity.

   

  The following are NAMI Maryland’s charity designation numbers:

  The Combined Federal Campaign of the National Capital Area:  7581

  The Combined Federal Campaign of Central Maryland:  7561  

  The Combined Charity Campaign for Baltimore City Employees and Retirees: 4158

  The Maryland Charity Campaign for State Employees and Retirees (private and state donors):  4186

   
  

• When you write your will you can support NAMI Maryland financially by including us as a beneficiary.