NAMI is a unique organization. It began when 254 persons met in Madison, Wisconsin in September, 1979 to consider how to help themselves and their mentally ill relatives.

By 1980 NAMI had achieved incorporation, received non-profit tax- exempt status, and elected an initial Board of Directors. Early efforts centered on making connections with small family support groups across the nation. NAMI opened its first office in Washington DC in 1982 and began the work of influencing Congress, the Administration and key decision-makers.  We filled an important gap.
In a "mental health" community NAMI was exclusively concerned about mental illness. In a field long dominated by physicians and other professionals and service providers, NAMI brought the long silent voice of caring families and consumers.
Early leaders spoke out boldly for greater attention to those afflicted with schizophrenia and affective disorders. And we began to ask for accountability from a government that was not making a significant investment in either research or services focused on mental illnesses.
Thousands of families have come "out of the closet" to join NAMI and embrace our mental illness agenda. Today we number over 203,000 members and approximately 1,200 affiliates in all 50 states! Growth brought diversity to the NAMI membership. In 1985 we formed a Consumer Council to ensure stronger representation of those who have suffered with psychiatric illnesses. Networks have also been created as a way for members who share a special identity or focus to meet and work together. By the end of the 1980's state Alliances had been formed in 46 states.
We have built the organization on four cornerstones

All across the country, the family movement is working to bring hope and progress to thousands of people with severe mental illnesses.