If you have applied before—or are helping someone apply—please review these updates and contact NAMI Fairbanks for the current application packet before preparing a request.

The annual funding limit has increased

The maximum funding available per beneficiary has increased from $2,500 to $3,000 per year.

This is an annual limit, not a guaranteed award. Requests are subject to Alaska Mental Health Trust review and approval.

We can submit five applications each month

NAMI Fairbanks can submit five applications per month. Contacting us early gives us time to discuss your request, explain the required documents, and help you prepare a complete application.

Please keep this monthly limit in mind when planning a purchase or requesting assistance for a time-sensitive need.

Estimates are required for all requests

Please include an estimate or other documentation showing the cost of every item or service you are requesting. This helps reviewers understand the request and reduces delays caused by missing information.

Before gathering estimates, contact us for guidance about the documentation needed for your particular request.

The local deadline is the 20th of each month

Completed applications and supporting documents are due to NAMI Fairbanks by the 20th of the month. If the 20th falls on a weekend or holiday, the deadline moves to the next business day.

Applications may be placed in our black mailbox labeled “NAMI Fairbanks” in the front lobby of our building. Lobby access is available Monday through Saturday, 7:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.

Please allow time before the deadline to gather documents and address any missing information.

Plan for about a month after submission

The Trust’s review generally takes two to three weeks following the monthly collection of applications. For planning purposes, allow approximately one month from NAMI Fairbanks’ submission to an award decision.

Submitting an application does not mean funding has been approved. Please contact us before making arrangements that depend on receiving a grant.

A provider letter is still required

A provider letter confirming the applicant’s qualifying behavioral health diagnosis remains part of the application requirements. NAMI Fairbanks keeps this letter in the applicant’s confidential file.

If you have applied through us before, contact us to confirm what documentation is needed for your current request.

Please request the current application packet

The application packet is available directly from NAMI Fairbanks rather than as a public download. Connecting with us before you begin gives you a chance to ask questions and receive guidance specific to your request.

It also helps prevent misunderstandings and the frustration of gathering documents or completing an application that needs to be revised. If you have an older packet, please request the current version.

Applicants and professionals assisting someone with an application are welcome to contact us:

Call: 907-456-4704
Email: office@namifairbanks.org

For an overview of eligibility, the program, and how to get started, visit our Behavioral Health Mini-Grants program page.

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At NAMI Fairbanks, we are deeply grateful to be one of the organizations supported through Pick.Click.Give. each year. Because of you, your generosity continues to make a real and lasting difference for individuals and families in the Fairbanks area who are navigating mental health challenges.

What Is Pick.Click.Give.?

Pick.Click.Give. is Alaska’s statewide charitable giving program that allows you to donate part—or all—of your Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend to eligible Alaska nonprofits when you apply online.

Donations are made in $25 increments, are tax-deductible, and cost nothing upfront. It’s an easy way to make a lasting local impact with a few simple clicks.

Your Pick.Click.Give. Support Makes a Difference

Each year, donations received through Pick.Click.Give. help sustain the programs and services our community relies on most. These gifts have helped us:

• Offer free education classes for families and caregivers
• Provide support groups where people feel seen, heard, and understood
• Expand mental health awareness for youth and young adults
• Strengthen local outreach and advocacy efforts

Your gift helps ensure that no one in our community has to navigate mental health challenges alone.

Thank You for Giving Where You Live

If you’ve chosen NAMI Fairbanks through Pick.Click.Give. in the past, thank you. Your support has helped ensure that mental health resources remain accessible, local, and rooted in compassion. We see the impact of your generosity in full classrooms, supportive conversations, and families who no longer feel alone.

And if you’re applying for your PFD this year and planning to Pick.Click.Give. again, we invite you to keep NAMI Fairbanks in mind.

How to Give to NAMI Fairbanks Through Pick.Click.Give.

When you apply for your Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend, simply:

1. Select Pick.Click.Give.
2. Search for NAMI Fairbanks
3. Choose your donation amount and submit

That’s it. In just a few minutes, you’ve made a meaningful investment in mental health for our community.

Every Gift Makes a Difference

Whether you give $25 or more, your participation matters. Pick.Click.Give. is a reminder that when Alaskans care for one another, meaningful change follows. We are honored to be part of your charitable choices and thankful for the trust you place in NAMI Fairbanks year after year.

Help Us Spread the Word

You can help amplify this impact by sharing this opportunity with friends, family members, coworkers, and neighbors. A simple reminder during this PFD season can make all the difference.

Together, we can turn our PFDs into compassion, connection, and hope.

Pick. Click. Give.
Choose NAMI Fairbanks.
Because mental health matters—right here at home.

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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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Hello Friend, NAMI Fairbanks would like to invite you to the 40th Annual Membership Meeting where you will have the opportunity to:   Meet the NAMI Fairbanks board members Receive the Annual Report Learn about the NAMI Fairbanks Youth and Young Adult Initiative And be inspired by the impact we are making together for mental health in Fairbanks, Alaska!  It will be held on Thursday, February 29th from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm, at the JP Jones Center, 2400 Rickert St, Fairbanks, AK 99701. There will be a potluck dinner. You are welcome to bring a dish if you would like, but it is not required. We just want you to come!  To RSVP, or if you have questions please email office@namifairbanks.org or call NAMI Fairbanks at 907 – 456 – 4704. Feel free to invite others who are interested in mental health in our community. Members of NAMI Fairbanks will be eligible to vote in board member elections at the annual meeting. See below for information on how to become a member or renew your annual membership. You do not have to be a member to attend. Looking forward to seeing you at the Annual Membership Meeting February 29th at 6pm!   Join or Renew Membership Here

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View this email in your browser Greetings! From all of us at NAMI Fairbanks, we would like to wish you a happy and healthy holiday season! You have played an important part this year in improving the lives of loved ones and friends who are living with mental illness. Together, we are ending the stigma and making it okay to talk about our mental health. May you experience an exceeding abundance of Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love throughout the holidays and in the new year!   Now is a great time to give a gift that will provide hope, education, and support for individuals who are seeking help through mental health recovery. Make a donation today! 1 in 5 U.S. adults and 1 in 6 U.S. youths aged 6-17 experience mental illness every year. You or someone you know may have anxiety, depression or another serious mental health concern.  By raising awareness and making mental health a priority, we can remove the stigma that prevents people from seeking help. Through your generous gifts, NAMI can provide its services, support groups, and programs free of charge to participants, and people can learn to recognize their symptoms and seek help before they experience a full crisis.   GIVE A GIFT OF HOPE! As the year draws to a close, we are looking back at a successful year.  More importantly, we are looking forward to another great year.  With the hard work of our dedicated staff and board members and our amazing volunteers, we are launching a Youth and Young Adult Initiative in 2024.  This is the first time NAMI Fairbanks has offered NAMI programs to young people.  We know that this is a critical time in their lives and these programs build awareness about mental health and how to get help.  Maybe you have seen the ads on TV.  Call the office if you can help with this initiative. 907-456-4704 Thank you everyone for your support of NAMI Fairbanks.   Enjoy this special time of year as you celebrate your holiday traditions with your family.  If it is a stressful time for your family, nami.org has tips to enjoy the holidays. Jeanette Grasto NAMI Fairbanks President Partnership Spotlight Thank you for helping shine the light on mental illness!          NAMI Fairbanks sincerely thanks all of our volunteers for your hard work, your participation, and for joining your voices together this year to improve the lives of friends, coworkers, neighbors, and family members who are living with mental illness! Volunteers like you helped people find support groups, shared information on mental illness, received training on how to share your stories, always had a listening ear, and most of all, let people know they are not alone. THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF OUR HEARTS! If you are interested in volunteering to help to help bring hope and improve the lives of our Fairbanks community, consider joining the team at NAMI Fairbanks. Learn more HERE.   Do you have a new mental health diagnosis? Searching for a safe confidential place to learn from others and share your experiences with mental illness? NAMI Connection is a peer recovery support group that meets in person every 3rd Thursday, 6-7:30 pm at NAMI Fairbanks. 3504 Industrial Ave, Suite 102, Fairbanks, AK. Call NAMI Fairbanks for more information 907-456-4704.   Family Support Group meets on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays, 6-7:30pm at NAMI Fairbanks. Visit namifairbanks.org to learn how NAMI support groups can help you and your family members.   Thank you to everyone who supported NAMI Fairbanks with your PFD giving through Pick. Click. Give! You helped our Fairbanks community members, who live with mental illness, continue receiving advocacy, education, and support through their mental health journey. We hope you will consider supporting NAMI Fairbanks with your 2024 PFD. It’s time to renew your annual NAMI membership. If you haven’t renewed it in the last 12 months, your membership has lapsed. Visit NAMI’s Membership page to renew today. Not yet a member? Become a part of NAMI! Subscribe to the latest mental health updates, participate in an online discussion group, learn how to advocate in your community and add your voice to the mental health movement. Join or Renew Membership Here

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Hello Friends, NAMI Fairbanks believes that mental health conditions are important to discuss all year, but Mental Illness Awareness Week provides a dedicated time for mental health advocates across the country to come together as one unified voice. In 1990, Congress officially established the first full week of October as MIAW in recognition of NAMI’s efforts to raise mental illness awareness. Since then, advocates have worked together each year to sponsor activities, large or small, to educate the public about mental illness. This month we are emphasizing the impact of NAMI’s support groups. There is power in coming together in community, which can be healing as people gather to share their experiences. We hope you will join the mental health movement to help raise awareness in your area of influence. Share on social media, at your places of work or worship, or host an awareness event. NAMI Fairbanks is here as a resource for you. Sincerely, Nenette Rogers Executive Director, NAMI Fairbanks   What is Support Group Like? WATCH (30 seconds): Max tells about his first time at NAMI Family Support Group. Support Group Schedule In-Person meetings are at NAMI Fairbanks 3504 Industrial Ave, Suite 102, Fairbanks, AK 99701 Peer Support Group 3rd Thursdays 6-7:30pm   Family Support Group 2nd & 4th Thursdays 6-7:30pm   More information Here SUPPORT GROUP FACILITATORS WANTED:  If you are interested in becoming a facilitator for either group, contact NAMI Fairbanks. 907-456-4704 OR OFFICE@NAMIFAIRBANKS.ORG What a Night! We can’t thank you enough for all of your support at #NAMIsilentauction23. Together we hit our goal and raised over $10,000! Thank you to all of our guests, artists, bakers, sponsors, auction item donors, volunteers, and friends for making this happen. It wouldn’t have been possible without you!! Today, let’s celebrate and tomorrow we’ll be thinking about #NAMIsilentauction24!  Save the date, we’ll see each other again on September 27, 2024 at the very latest. If you missed the Silent Auction, it’s not too late to show your support. Here is your chance to make a donation that will help end the stigma of mental illness in Fairbanks and the Interior!   Donate Here More photos from the Silent Auction:   Coming Up… Special Screening at Regal Cinemas An important film for your youth group October 10, 2023 7:00 pm (Click the image above to watch the movie trailer) Movie Description: Tragedy ignites a group of teens to find a legendary landmark hidden in the wilderness. Together, they navigate the adventure while confronting the darkness within themselves. Channeling teen classics like The Goonies and The Breakfast Club, the story wrestles with depression, anxiety, doubt, and identity. What Rhymes with Reason sparks a fun and emotional tale of hope for teens and families of the social media age, reminding everyone that no one has to struggle alone.    Although this is not a NAMI Fairbanks event, we recommend this film for families, youth, and community members who serve our local youth.   Book Individual Tickets Costco Military Appreciation Night October 14, 2023 7:00 – 8:30 pm NAMI Fairbanks and community vendors will be at Costco to honor our service members. Stop by the NAMI booth for mental health resources for military and family members.   Interior Republicans Group Ladies Luncheon October 27, 2023 12:00 – 1:00 pm at the Westmark You are invited to come and hear about how NAMI Fairbanks is implementing its Youth and Young Adult mental health initiative and its support, education, and advocacy efforts for improving the lives of individuals living with mental illness. Lunch is from a limited menu and guests buy their own lunch.   Save the Date NAMI Alaska Annual Meeting October 30, 2023 NAMI Alaska invites you to attend its annual meeting on October 30th. Details will be announced. You are welcome to join via Zoom using this button:    Join the Annual Meeting via Zoom We wish to thank the following businesses and individuals who donated items for the Fourth Friday Silent Auction: Alaska Art Party Alaska Railroad Art Center Framing Alyeska Pipeline Co. Ann’s Greenhouse Arctic Raw Fur Beaver Sports Belle Luce Fine Art Photography Marilyn Biagi Maria Billings Megan Burks Christ Lutheran Blanket Committee Allyson Churches Shana Clay College Floral Camille Connelly-Terhune Costco Expressions in Glass Fairbanks Daily News Miner Fairbanks Ice Dogs Fairbanks Nissan Fairbanks Symphony Orchestra Goldpanners Baseball Grasto Family Growler Bay Valdez Harley Davidson Store Nancy Hausle-Johnson Cheris Haymond-Rotter Kathy Karella Teri Lorkowski Becky Magowan Marie Martin McCafferty’s North Star Ballet Northern Threads Northern Whimsy Pagoda Cheryl Randolph Riverboat Discovery and Gold Dredge 8 Brenda Sadler Yvonne Samuelson Santa Claus House Ann Schmidt Sourdough Fuel Dorothy Stella Summit Coffee Ursa Major Distillery Margaret Wiedeman Yarn Over Thank you to our guest artists: Karen Malone Kim Krinke Betty Dupee Matt Moberly Betsy Bear Dawn Miller Lilly Allen Thank you as well to our fabulous bakers who made the amazing desserts for the auction! Your desserts were highly sought-after prizes! Thank you to our Silent Auction sponsors! Arctic Traveler’s Gift Shop Martin Engineering Taylor’s Gold ‘n’ Stone NAMI in the Neighborhood Costco hosted a Trunk or Treat fundraiser for the Children’s Miracle Network. NAMI Fairbanks joined the fun handing out candy to all the kiddos. Parents received a NAMI Ending the Silence card that listed mental health warning signs and Help Line phone numbers. NAMI Fairbanks board member, Kareston Robinson, was at the University of Alaska Community & Technical College on September 29th, hosting a NAMI table at the Northern Interior Alaska Association for the Education of Young Children’s Early Educators Conference. Thank you to everyone who stopped by to say hello and stock up on our famous calm strips! Fairbanks Golden Heart Rotary Club and Alaska Rotary District Governor, Mike Pollen, presented a check from their successful golf tournament fundraiser to NAMI Fairbanks at their recent Rotary dinner. The funds will support bringing NAMI Ending the Silence presentations to local middle and high schools, to open up conversations around youth suicide and mental health. Contact Us:   PHONE 907-456-4704 EMAIL  office@namifairbanks.org MAIL  NAMI Fairbanks, PO Box 72543, Fairbanks, AK 99707 OFFICE  Mon-Wed-Fri 11 am – 4 pm  |  Located at 3504 Industrial Ave, Suite 102, Fairbanks, AK 99701 WEB  namifairbanks.org FOLLOW  @NAMIFairbanks on Facebook and Instagram Copyright © 2023 NAMI Fairbanks, All rights reserved.

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September is Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month Hello Friend, Chances are you or someone you know has experienced a mental health, suicide, or substance use crisis. We want you to know that you are not alone. Help is available! You can reach out 24/7 to the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (formerly known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline) by dialing or texting 988 or using chat services at suicidepreventionlifeline.org to connect to a trained crisis counselor. You can also get crisis text support via the Crisis Text Line by texting NAMI to 741741. Below is a quick reference guide that can help if you suspect someone is thinking about suicide. There is also an article from the NAMI blog on How to Help Yourself and Others With Suicidal Ideation. NAMI Fairbanks has resources available at our office that you can keep with you to help navigate a mental health crisis. Please stop by Mon-Wed-Fri 11 am – 4 pm at 3504 Industrial Ave, Suite 102, Fairbanks, AK. Or call 907-456-4704. Sincerely, Nenette Rogers Executive Director, NAMI Fairbanks Support Group Schedule Peer Support Group 3rd Thursdays 6-7:30pm   Family Support Group 2nd & 4th Thursdays 6-7:30pm   More information Here SUPPORT GROUP FACILITATORS WANTED:  If you are interested in becoming a facilitator for either group, contact NAMI Fairbanks. 907-456-4704 OR OFFICE@NAMIFAIRBANKS.ORG From the NAMI Blog: How to Help Yourself and Others With Suicidal Ideation   Read the article here From NAMI Alaska: Check out the NAMI courses offered online by NAMI Alaska! These are starting in September and October. Click the images to learn more and to register. Celebrating 40 Years! Thank you Fairbanks for celebrating with us at our Birthday BBQ and Volunteer Fair at Pioneer Park this summer! NAMI Fairbanks began as a group of parents of loved ones with mental illness who made it their mission to ensure adequate mental health care was available for anyone who needed it. In 1983, the group joined as an affiliate of NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness), the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness. Today, we celebrate 40 years of advocacy, support, and education that continues to bring our community together, to create a culture of safety and caring for all! North Pole Cares! The North Pole Community Chamber of Commerce unveiled the You Are Not Alone wall on September 1st, at the Terry Miller Memorial Park in North Pole. It features the community’s unsung heroes (helping agencies) on placards with QR codes to their websites, where individuals can find out where to get the help they need. NAMI Fairbanks is included along with crisis, recovery, and helping community partners. The wall is curved to represent a “hug” for someone who sits by the wall. On one side there is food cupboard where folks can drop by and leave some food items, and on the other side is a lending library that is free for reading and swapping books. If you’re in the area, feel free to check it out and even restock the food cupboard! With Gratitude We wish to thank the following 2023 corporate donors who stand with NAMI Fairbanks to help build better lives for all who are living with mental illness in Fairbanks and the Interior: Major Partners: Kinross Fort Knox, Usibelli Coal Mine, Northern Star Resources Limited Pogo Mine Angels: Golden Heart 100+ Women Who Care, Golden Heart Rotary Club, North Pole Adventure LEOs, Fairbanks Wellness Coalition, Foundation Health Partners Advocates: Arctic Traveler’s Gift Shop, Alyeska Pipeline Co. Educators: Mt. McKinley Bank, Quota International of Fairbanks, Martin Engineering Supporters and Friends: Chris Marok Allstate, Great Northwest Inc. IBEW Local 1547, Utility Services of Alaska, Family Centered Services, Julia Scott Retirement Plans, Taylor’s Gold ‘n’ Stone NAMI Fairbanks relies on financial support from our community to continue providing programs and training at no cost to participants. Will you consider making a donation today?   Donate Contact Us:   PHONE 907-456-4704 EMAIL  office@namifairbanks.org MAIL  NAMI Fairbanks, PO Box 72543, Fairbanks, AK 99707 OFFICE  Mon-Wed-Fri 11 am – 4 pm  |  Located at 3504 Industrial Ave, Suite 102, Fairbanks, AK 99701 WEB  namifairbanks.org FOLLOW  @NAMIFairbanks on Facebook and Instagram view this email in your browser Copyright © *|CURRENT_YEAR|* *|LIST:COMPANY|*, All rights reserved. *|IFNOT:ARCHIVE_PAGE|* *|LIST:DESCRIPTION|* Our mailing address is: *|HTML:LIST_ADDRESS_HTML|* *|END:IF|* Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list. *|IF:REWARDS|* *|HTML:REWARDS|* *|END:IF|*

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NAMI Fairbanks is answering the call to address teen suicide among our youth. We plan to provide NAMI Ending the Silence presentations in our schools that will help destigmatize and bring awareness to mental health for middle and high school students, parents, and staff.

Alaska ranks #2 in the nation for suicides per capita. In ages 10-24, suicide is the second leading cause of death, according to the CDC. In 2021, 8,000 Alaskans aged 12-17 had depression. Of those, 63% did not receive any care. See the statistical data sheets from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and NAMI below. 

Community Concern

When the Golden Heart Rotary Club of Fairbanks and the Fairbanks Wellness Coalition approached us to find out what programs we offer that address teen suicide, we knew we had to respond with the NAMI Ending the Silence program. It is evidence-based with research showing that this program changes middle and high school students’ knowledge and attitudes toward mental health conditions and toward seeking help.

What is NAMI Ending the Silence?

NAMI Ending the Silence is a prevention and early intervention presentation that engages youth, school staff, and families in a discussion about mental health. It is available free for 3 audiences: students, families, and school staff.

As a tool in reducing and preventing teen suicide, the presentations equip students, staff, and parents to know the warning signs, coping strategies, and how to help each other. The information is presented by a trained team consisting of a young adult (18-35) with a mental health condition and an adult with a mental health condition or family member of a person who has a mental health condition. Audiences learn that it is okay to talk about their own mental health and how to get help. 

Young Adult and Family Member Volunteers Wanted

NAMI Fairbanks is seeking young adult and family member volunteers who are passionate about helping youth and their families, and want to receive the free training that NAMI offers to become a presenter for this program. Volunteers will be trained to deliver high-quality presentations to local schools, youth-serving agencies, staff, and parents.

By educating our local youth on how to advocate for their mental well-being, destigmatizing mental illness, and providing a team approach that includes parents and school staff, we will see more of our young people reaching out for the care they need. We can strengthen our youth to lead healthy fulfilling lives supported by a community that cares.

Youth Taking Action

The North Pole Alaska Adventure LEOs are no strangers to seeing mental illness affect their peers. They are the youth arm of the North Pole Lions Club and they participate in service projects to benefit their community. In May, they organized a Mental Health Awareness 5K Run and donated the funds raised to NAMI Fairbanks. When they heard about the NAMI Ending the Silence program, the LEOs jumped on board with their support and agreed to help with creating a promotional video.

Contact NAMI Fairbanks

NAMI Fairbanks is responding to the community’s interest in helping our youth develop their skills in identifying mental health issues, how to openly talk about them, and how to get help for themselves and their peers through this youth program. Please call 907-456-4704 if you are interested in becoming trained as a Young Adult of Family Member presenter, or if you would like to have NAMI Ending the Silence in your school. You can also complete the Volunteer Interest Form and submit it by clicking the button below.

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