The National Alliance on Mental Illness of Southeast Louisiana, commonly known as NAMI SELA, is a powerhouse of programs and information for people affected by mental illness, whether personally or as family or friends. The New Orleans office successfully merged with the St. Tammany chapter in 2024, the group offers significant assistance to people in crisis and support for people affected by mental illness in the region, according to Monique Gregor, NAMI SELA’s Outreach and Policy Coordinator.
“After our merger, all of St. Tammany’s parish programs remain, including support groups and training programs. North Shore residents now have access to services that were primarily on the South Shore,” Gregory said.
Safe Haven, located on US 190 in Mandeville, is home to many of NAMI SELA’s programs, all offered at no cost to individual participants.
“Mental First Aid,” designed to help participants recognize, understand, and respond to symptoms of mental health concerns and substance use disorders, is a good example of what is offered. In addition to instructional classes, peer-led groups, such as NAMI Connection, a recovery support group, meet in person and online. Clinical telehealth services are now also available to individuals on the North Shore. All NAMI services are provided at no cost to the individual, Gregory said.
“The NAMI programs that operate in St. Tammany Parish, and all of our resources, are provided free of charge. We believe that financial assistance should not be a barrier to access to our services,” she said.
One of the organization’s newest initiatives is “NAMI on Campus,” a primarily college-based program now expanding to area high schools, according to Gregor.
“The program has been in place at Southeastern (Louisiana University) for several years. We have now expanded it to include Louis S. McGee and Ben Franklin High Schools,” she noted. “We are looking to partner with other schools in our area.”
On campus, NAMI offers support through initiatives such as resource information tables and kindness walls, where students can leave and pick up positive messages to strengthen their mood and behavior.
“Something as simple as a kind message can change a person’s perspective. Messages can also remind each other to care and that you are not alone,” Gregoire said. Through these activities the importance of self-care is also promoted.
According to Nicole Justice, NAMI SELA Director of Development, financial support is key to funding a wide range of programs. After the 2024 merger, NAMI SELA has since expanded to serve people in nine parishes. The group now includes Jefferson, Livingston, Orleans, Plaquemines, St. Bernard, St. Helena, St. Tammany, Tangipahoo and Washington parishes.
“We are moving forward with full focus on providing resources to all the communities we serve.” “We’re definitely in expansion mode right now.”
Two major fundraising events on the calendar for this spring will help support the expanded list of programs and venues.
The first is the Rising Hope Soiree on March 27 at Lake House New Orleans. It’s billed as an evening of live jazz, with a special culinary arts experience and silent auction. Also at the event, Virginia Weinman will be recognized as this year’s NAMI SELA Mental Health Champion and honored for her decades of service to organizations focused on mental health, education and historic preservation.
The next annual NAMIWalks SELA event is on Saturday, May 16, in Mandeville.
More information about NAMI SELA programs and all upcoming events is available at www.namisela.org.
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