TD is an involuntary movement disorder that is characterized by uncontrolled movements of the face, torso, limbs, fingers and toes.^1,3-5 It is associated with the use of antipsychotic medication that may be necessary to treat individuals living with mental illnesses such as bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder.^4,6* TD is a chronic condition that is unlikely to improve without treatment.^1,7

People taking antipsychotic medication should be routinely screened by a healthcare provider for drug-induced movement disorders, such as TD.^5,7 The American Psychiatric Association (APA) 2020 clinical guidelines for the treatment of schizophrenia recommend screening for TD at least every six months for those with a high risk and at least every 12 months for others at risk of developing TD.⁷ Earlier recognition and treatment of TD can make a positive impact in the lives of people who are already managing their mental illness, including their loved ones or care partners.

May is also Mental Health Awareness Month, an important time to acknowledge the one in five U.S. adults living with a mental illness.⁸ Approximately 124,000 adults in Alaska are living with a mental illness, and many people living with a mental illness may also have TD.⁹ Mental health and TD are deeply connected. TD can affect social, emotional and functional well-being, compounding the burden of mental illness.¹⁰

Surveyed adults with a confirmed TD diagnosis (n=150) reported that their TD movements made them feel judged or stared at (86%), cancel social plans or avoid going out in public (56%) and ask someone to help in doing daily activities as a result of TD symptoms (43%).^† However, the impact of TD isn’t limited to the people who have it. In a survey of 36 care partners, most reported that their loved one’s TD movements had at least some impact on their productivity (58%), ability to socialize (~56%), self‐care (50%) and participation in usual activities (50%).^‡

Thank you for your dedication to raising awareness about TD and encouraging discussion that helps reduce stigma and empower those affected. We invite everyone across Alaska to recognize the first full week of May as TD Awareness Week. Explore helpful resources, including a doctor discussion guide, at TalkAboutTD.com.

REFERENCES

1. Cloud LJ, Zutshi D, Factor SA. Tardive dyskinesia: therapeutic options for an increasingly common disorder. Neurotherapeutics. 2014;11(1):166-176. doi:10.1007/s13311-013-0222-5 2. Data on file. Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc. 3. Task Force on Tardive Dyskinesia. Tardive Dyskinesia: A Task Force Report of the American Psychiatric Association. Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Association; 1992. 4. American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. 5th ed. American Psychiatric Association; 2023. 5. Guy W. ECDEU Assessment Manual for Psychopharmacology. Rev. 1976. U.S. Dept. of Health, Education, and Welfare, Public Health Service, Alcohol, Drug Abuse, and Mental Health Administration, National Institute of Mental Health, Psychopharmacology Research Branch, Division of Extramural Research Programs; 1976. 6. Caroff SN, Hurford I, Lybrand J, Campbell EC. Movement disorders induced by antipsychotic drugs: implications of the CATIE schizophrenia trial. Neurol Clin. 2011;29(1):127-148. doi:10.1016/j.ncl.2010.10.002 7. Keepers GA, Fochtmann LJ, Anzia JM, et al. The American Psychiatric Association practice guideline for the treatment of patients with schizophrenia. Am J Psychiatry. 2020;177(9):868-872. doi:10.1176/appi.ajp.2020.177901 8. Mental health by the numbers. National Alliance for Mental Illness. Updated 2025. Accessed January 13, 2026.  https://www.nami.org/learnmore/mental-health-by-the-numbers 9. Reinert M, Fritze D, Nguyen T. The state of mental health in America: 2025 edition. Mental Health America. Accessed January 6, 2026. https://mhanational.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/State-of-Mental-Health-2025.pdf 10. Ascher-Svanum H, Zhu B, Faries D, Peng X, Kinon BJ, Tohen M. Tardive dyskinesia and the 3-year course of schizophrenia: results from a large, prospective, naturalistic study. J Clin Psychiatry. 2008;69(10):1580-1588. doi:10.4088/jcp.v69n1008 11. Kenney C, Hunter C, Davidson A, Jankovic J. Metoclopramide, an increasingly recognized cause of tardive dyskinesia. J Clin Pharmacol. 2008;48(3):379-384. doi:10.1177/0091270007312258 12. Sanger GJ, Andrews PLR. A history of drug discovery for treatment of nausea and vomiting and the implications for future research. Front Pharmacol. 2018;9:913. doi:10.3389/fphar.2018.00913

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Each year, NAMI Fairbanks is honored to support University of Alaska Fairbanks students through our endowed scholarships—awards created to uplift students whose academic goals and lived experiences align with our mission of improving mental health outcomes across Alaska.

Today, we celebrate the 2025–2026 NAMI Fairbanks Scholarship Recipients and share how these scholarships continue to change lives.

Our Scholarships at a Glance

NAMI Fairbanks proudly offers several scholarships through our endowed funds at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. While each award has its own history and purpose, all share one mission—supporting students whose lives, studies, and future careers will strengthen mental health and reduce stigma across Alaska.

Joy Albin Scholarship

Supports part-time or full-time undergraduate students in any field of study at UAF. This scholarship recognizes students who show dedication, resilience, and the potential to make a positive impact within their communities.

Ann Denardo Memorial Scholarship

Provides support to part-time or full-time students in any field whose families have been touched by mental illness. This award honors Ann Denardo’s legacy by uplifting students whose personal experiences inspire them to pursue education, understanding, and advocacy.

Kate Cross Das and Deben Das Graduate Scholarship

Awarded to part-time or full-time graduate students in any field who intend to serve individuals living with mental illness or dedicate their careers to education, advocacy, and reducing stigma. This scholarship supports emerging leaders preparing for roles in research, counseling, social services, and other fields where mental health understanding is essential.

NAMI Rural Campus Scholarship

Supports part-time or full-time students enrolled at any rural UAF campus (excluding the Community and Technical College). Open to students in any major, the scholarship prioritizes those committed to mental health advocacy, counseling, social work, psychology, and supporting individuals and families in rural communities.

Why These Scholarships Matter

The voices of past scholarship recipients remind us that these awards are life-changing. Students consistently share that receiving a NAMI scholarship:

• relieves the financial burden of tuition or living expenses
• allows them to focus fully on their studies and career preparation
• affirms their commitment to mental health advocacy and service
• helps them balance school with work, parenting, or community responsibilities
• gives them hope and confidence, knowing their community believes in them

Many recipients are first-generation college students, working parents, or individuals returning to school with a renewed sense of purpose. Their stories speak to the transformative impact of community support.

Looking Back: Stories That Inspire

Last year’s recipients described powerful journeys that continue to illuminate the purpose of this endowment:

• A psychology major working toward becoming a Marriage & Family Counselor while balancing school, parenting, and community service.
• A first-generation student who arrived at UAF unsure of her academic abilities and found confidence, purpose, and mentorship.
• A homeschool program coordinator dedicating her career to trauma-informed education and student support.
• A biological sciences student preparing for veterinary school while working multiple jobs and giving back to Fairbanks.
• An accounting student overcoming socioeconomic barriers and building a future rooted in service and leadership.

Their stories reflect the resilience, determination, and compassion that define the spirit of NAMI’s mission.

Introducing the 2025–2026 Scholarship Recipients

Elizabeth Brown – NAMI of Fairbanks Joy Albin Scholarship
Lillian Gengler – NAMI of Fairbanks Joy Albin Scholarship
Theo Anderson – NAMI of Fairbanks Ann Denardo Memorial Scholarship
Olivia Manley – NAMI of Fairbanks Ann Denardo Memorial Scholarship
Christine Ryan – NAMI Rural Campus Scholarship
Megan Lingle – NAMI Fairbanks Kate Cross Das and Deben Das Graduate Scholarship

These students represent the next generation of mental health advocates, behavioral health professionals, educators, counselors, researchers, and care providers. Their studies span fields that all touch mental health—from psychology and counseling to anthropology, public health, accounting, biology, and beyond.

Most importantly, each student brings a personal commitment to strengthening wellbeing in their communities—whether in Fairbanks, rural Alaska, or across the state.

Building a Stronger Future for Mental Health in Alaska

The NAMI Fairbanks Scholarship Endowment was created with a simple but powerful vision:
to support students who will one day support others.

Every recipient represents hope—hope for better access to mental health care, deeper understanding of mental illness, stronger support for families, and a brighter future for Alaskans.

To our donors, partners, and friends: thank you for making this possible.
Your generosity lifts students, strengthens our mental health workforce, and builds a more resilient Alaska.

Congratulations to our 2025–2026 scholarship recipients.
We are proud of you, inspired by you, and cheering you on every step of the way.

To learn more or apply for a NAMI Fairbanks scholarship, contact the financial aid office at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. 907-474-7256

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