News in this issue:
- NAMI-SCC Outreach Spotlight: Raising Awareness About Long-Acting Injectables (LAIs)
- Dave Cortese Receives NAMI-SCC’s Community Merit Award
- February 10 General Meeting Recap: AbilityPath Can Turn Finding Work into a Reality Recap
- NAMI-SCC Board Officer Election for 2026-2027
- Mental Health 101 for Faith Communities: Building Compassionate and Caring Faith Communities
NAMI’s Peer-to-Peer class is starting soon! Call the Helpline to sign up: (408) 453-0400 option 1.
We are looking for volunteers for Mental Health Outreach
See full requirement here
or
Email: bstclair@namisantaclara.org
We are hiring for Community Peer Connector position
See full requirement here
or
Email: office@namisantaclara.org
We are hiring for In Our Own Voice Presenter position
See full requirement here
or
Email: office@namisantaclara.org
We are hiring for Ending the Silence Presenter position
See full requirement here
or
Email: office@namisantaclara.org
We are looking for Family support group facilitators
We’re looking for individuals to serve as facilitators for our Family Support Groups both in-person & online.
If you’ve completed one of our family education programs and are interested in giving back by supporting others, we’d love to hear from you!
If you are interested or would like to learn more, please contact our
Education Manager:
Adela Arce
Email: aarce@namisantaclara.org
Research Studies
Taking Action for Whole Health and Wellbeing
Research Studies
How Depression is Related to Cognitive Impairment
Research Studies
Overcoming Life’s Hurdles – Stanford Research Study
Research Studies
Sensing Schizophrenia Research Study
Click to learn & join
March 2026
NAMI-SCC Outreach Spotlight: Raising Awareness About Long-Acting Injectables (LAIs)
By Barb St. Clair, Outreach Programs Coordinator
At NAMI-Santa Clara County, community education is at the heart of what we do. Through presentations, conversations, and outreach events, we work to ensure individuals and families have access to clear, practical information about mental health treatment options.
One important topic we’ve been sharing with the community is Long-Acting Injectables (LAIs)—medications used to treat serious mental health conditions that are administered by injection and released slowly over time. Depending on the medication, one dose can last anywhere from 2 to 24 weeks.
We are very thankful to be able to share information within the community about these important medications. NAMI-SCC was awarded one of the Teva Pharmaceutical (https://www.tevapharm.com/) grants through the NAMI National Grant Alliance that support our community outreach specific to Long-Acting Injectables.
During our presentations, we begin by asking simple but powerful questions:
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- Have you ever forgotten to take your medication?
- Stopped when you felt better?
- Struggled with side effects?
These common experiences open the door to a meaningful discussion about how LAIs may help some individuals stay on track with their treatment plan.
Why LAIs Matter
For some people, LAIs can:
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- Provide steady levels of medication in the bloodstream
- Reduce the need to remember daily doses
- Lower the risk of hospitalization
- Offer regular connection with a provider
- Improve overall quality of life and satisfaction with treatment
While LAIs are not right for everyone, they can be an important option to discuss with a healthcare provider. In many cases, providers may begin with oral medication to determine the most effective treatment before transitioning to an injectable form.
We also address concerns about affordability. Many insurance plans cover LAIs, and financial assistance programs may be available through pharmaceutical companies.
Continuing the Conversation
NAMI-SCC remains committed to reducing stigma, increasing knowledge, and empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their care. Through outreach and education, we aim to ensure that community members know their options and feel supported in their recovery journey.
For more information or support, contact the NAMI-SCC Helpline at 408-453-0400, Option 1, or visit our office during weekdays.
To schedule a presentation, contact Barb St Clair at bstclair@namisantaclara.org or 408-460-2779.
Dave Cortese Receives NAMI-SCC’s Community Merit Award
Every year, NAMI-Santa Clara County recognizes an individual or organization that has made a significant impact on mental health in our community. At NAMI-SCC’s February 10 General Meeting, we presented State Senator Dave Cortese with our Community Merit Award.
Dave has been a champion on mental health issues in Santa Clara County and statewide for decades. One of his more recent accomplishments was authoring Senate Bill 1300. He partnered with our NAMI affiliate to help push the legislation through and onto Governor Gavin Newsom’s desk, which he signed.
He initiated the legislation upon learning about ongoing hospital closures of acute inpatient psychiatric care in our county and statewide. His bill became law and now requires hospitals to notify county government 120 days before closing psychiatric units and labor and delivery services. The notification also includes a public hearing requirement.
State Senator Dave Cortese was elected in November of 2020 to represent State Senate District 15, which encompasses much of Santa Clara County in the heart of Silicon Valley.
Along with his accomplished career as an attorney and business owner, the Senator previously served on the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors for over a decade, with four years as Board President. He served on the San Jose City Council for eight years, including two years as Vice Mayor, and as a trustee for the East Side Union High School District for eight years.
He grew up in San Jose as part of a family that has been active in civic, cultural, and business activities for generations.
During his nearly three decades in public service, Dave has brought the community together to address and reduce homelessness, combat climate change, expand public transit options, reform Santa Clara County’s jail custody operations, and fight for the rights of immigrants.
It is an honor to name Dave as the recipient of this year’s Community Merit Award.
February 10 General Meeting Recap: AbilityPath Can Turn Finding Work into a Reality Recap
By Moryt Milo
The South Bay arm of AbilityPath offers individuals with a mental illness a door into the working world.
The nonprofit works with the Department of Rehabilitation (DOR) and San Andreas Regional Center to provide employment programs for people with disabilities. This includes individuals with a mental health condition or intellectual and developmental disabilities.
To qualify for AbilityPath’s help, individuals must have a “diagnosed disability,” a letter from their doctor, and a desire to work. Individuals who receive SSDI or SSI fit the disability criteria.
Steering the program is AbilityPath South Bay Employment Services Manager Angela Lucero Perry, who has 25 years of experience working with people with disabilities.
Angela points out a desire to work is key.
“It can’t be mom’s desire or dad’s desire. It has to be their desire to work, because we all know when we are pushed to do something we don’t want to do we sabotage it and make it not work,” she said.
For those who are determined to try, Angela said AbilityPath will work the gamut to figure out what a person can do within their range.
She gives the example of a person saying they want to be a veterinarian. She then points out this requires years of schooling and internships. But she recognizes the person has an affinity toward animals, so Angela suggests looking at jobs at a veterinary clinic, pet store, or animal shelter.
“We really try to work within a person’s desires and realistic goals,” Angela said.
To read the complete story, click here.
NAMI-SCC Board Officer Election for 2026-2027
Here is the slate of nominees for the NAMI-Santa Clara County Board Officers:
President: Uday Kapoor
Vice President-Outreach: Beverly Lozoff
Vice President-Spanish Outreach: Juan Perez
Vice President-Communication and Media: Moryt Milo
Vice President-Legislation: Dolly Sandoval
Treasurer: Scott Whelton
Secretary: Peter Newman
And now it’s time for you to vote.
Please note that voting on our website is open till March 15.
Mental Health 101 for Faith Communities: Building Compassionate and Caring Faith Communities
For many in our community, the journey toward mental wellness is deeply intertwined with their spiritual life. In fact, 67% of adults describe spirituality as a vital part of their identity, and 60% find that their faith is a cornerstone of their mental health support system.
We invite you to join our upcoming virtual webinar, Mental Health 101 for Faith Communities. This inclusive training is designed for all traditions, rooted in the belief that every house of worship can be a sanctuary of understanding. Together, we will learn how to:
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- Recognize the early signs of mental health distress
- Reduce the weight of stigma through education and empathy
- Respond with compassion to those seeking help
By equipping our faith leaders and members with these tools, we aren’t just sharing information; we are building a more compassionate, caring world where no one has to struggle alone.
NAMI California 2026 Advocacy Day
Join us in Sacramento on April 21 from 8:30 AM – 3:00 PM for the 2026 NAMI California Advocacy Day! We’ll spend the day learning about current legislation and policy, meeting with legislators, and connecting with other passionate behavioral health advocates at the Capitol.
Meet in the morning at the Hyatt Regency Sacramento (1209 L Street, Sacramento) for registration, t-shirts, breakfast, and advocacy training. Then, we’ll walk to the Capitol for a rally before some attendees head to visits with legislative offices. We’ll meet up again in the afternoon for lunch, panels, and policy presentations. A more formal schedule will be shared with those who register in the coming months.
When registering, there is an option to express interest in participating in legislative visits. NAMI California will do their best to match you with your local office or a health committee member.
NAMI National Convention (NAMICon) 2026
Registration Now Open
Get ready to experience an immersive three days of inspiration, collaboration, and transformation.
Meet Us in Atlanta
Join us May 28-30 at NAMICon 2026 where awareness meets action. Where education fuels advocacy. Where community strengthens hope.
This year’s theme—Advancing Connection, Community, and Caring—reflects what makes this moment so important.
In a time when so much is impacting mental health, NAMICon 2026 is creating space to come together, learn from one another, and move forward with purpose.
From people with lived experience, caregivers, and providers to young leaders, policymakers, faith leaders, and mental health champions from across the country—NAMICon 2026 will unite us for bold conversations, deep connection, and action that transforms communities.
NAMI-SCC’s Annual Picnic
You are Invited to NAMI-SCC’s Annual Picnic
DATE: Saturday, June 6, 2026
LOCATION: Emma Prusch Farm Park, 647 S King Rd, San Jose, CA 95116
More details to follow.
NAMIWalks Silicon Valley 2026
We’re thrilled to announce NAMIWalks Silicon Valley 2026! Of course, this is just the beginning. Stay tuned for updates, including fundraising information, website details, and event program.
DATE: Saturday, October 3, 2026
LOCATION: History Park San Jose, 635 Phelan Ave, San Jose, CA 95112
WALK MANAGER: Jennifer Larson, jlarson@namisantaclara.org
Visit our Walk page for details.
Visit www.namiwalks.org/siliconvalley to register.
Membership Form
To join online, go to www.namisantaclara.org/Become a Member
To make payment via check:
Please address the check to “NAMI Santa Clara County“ and send it by mail to:
1150 S. Bascom Ave., Suite 24
San Jose, CA 95128
NAMI-SCC welcomes your membership.
Memberships are valid for one year.
Your membership and donations are tax deductible.
Tax ID #94-2430956
Learn how to include NAMI-SCC in your estate plan by going to “Get Involved/Planned Giving” on our website.
