The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Yakima is pleased to announce it will be offering a free educational class called Family to Family beginning September 17, 2008 at Yakima Valley Memorial Hospital, Basement Classrooms. Space is limited, and new participants can register by calling the NAMI Yakima office at 509.453.0753, by sending an email to info@namiyakima.org , or registering at www.namiyakima.org.

About Family to Family
The NAMI Family-to-Family Education Program is a free, 12-week course for mental health consumers, family members, and others impacted by mental illness. Topics covered include:

• Current information about schizophrenia, major depression, bipolar disorder (sometimes called manic depression), panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, borderline personality disorder, and co-occurring brain disorders and addictive disorders
• Up-to-date information about medications, side effects, and strategies for medication adherence
• Current research related to the biology of brain disorders and the evidence-based, most effective treatments to promote recovery
• Gaining empathy by understanding the subjective, lived experience of a person with mental illness
• Learning in special workshops for problem solving, listening, and communication techniques
• Acquiring strategies for handling crises and relapse
• Focusing on care for the caregiver: coping with worry, stress, and emotional overload
• Guidance on locating appropriate supports and services within the community
• Information on advocacy initiatives designed to improve and expand services
The course is taught by trained family members, mental health consumers, and other community partners. All instruction and course materials are free to class participants.
About NAMI Yakima
Family to Family has been taught by NAMI Yakima volunteers here in Yakima since the Spring of 1998. In that time, nearly 325 people have benefited from the networking, support, education and advocacy services offered here. NAMI Yakima has been in existence for more than 27 years. The mission of NAMI Yakima is to serve its Yakima Valley communities by providing education, support and advocacy services to people with mental illnesses, their families and others.
For more information about Family to Family or NAMI Yakima, please call Lori Gendron at the NAMI Yakima office at 509.453.0753, send an email to info@namiyakima.org, or visit the NAMI Yakima web site at www.namiyakima.org.