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.

The post Behavioral Health Mini-Grants: What Has Changed in 2026 appeared first on NAMI Fairbanks.

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

The post May 3-9, 2026 Is Tardive Dyskinesia (TD) Awareness Week appeared first on NAMI Fairbanks.

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.

The post Support NAMI Fairbanks Through Pick.Click.Give. appeared first on NAMI Fairbanks.

Date: Saturday, May 16, 2026

Location: North Pole Welcome Center
Register now: namiwalks.org/fairbanks

This year’s theme says it all:

Together we are NAMIWalks.

Together, we shine a light on mental health.
Together, we break stigma.
Together, we show our neighbors, families, and friends: you are not alone.

Be Part of Something Bigger

Whether you’re walking for yourself, a loved one, your community, or the future—your steps matter. And there’s more than one way to make a difference:

Register to Walk or Run

Anyone can participate! It’s free, fun, and family-friendly.

Volunteer

Help us behind the scenes or on event day. Volunteers are the heart of NAMIWalks!

👉 Join us this Saturday for the Volunteer Interest Meeting:
📆 January 10, 2026 at 10:00 AM
📍 NAMI Fairbanks – 3504 Industrial Ave, Suite 102

If you’re looking for a way to use your time, energy, and talents to make a real difference, this is your moment. Whether you love planning, welcoming others, organizing, cheering, or supporting quietly behind the scenes—there’s a place for you. Your impact will ripple far beyond walk day.

Become a Team Captain

Lead the charge by starting a team. Rally your friends, coworkers, or club to walk together and fundraise for mental health.

Why We Walk

NAMI Fairbanks provides free mental health education, support groups, school presentations, and a local helpline—thanks to the generosity of people like you. When you walk, volunteer, or fundraise, you help someone in our community find hope, healing, and connection.

Ready to Take the First Step?

Visit namiwalks.org/fairbanks to register, start a team, or sign up to volunteer today.
Together, we are NAMIWalks—and together, we are unstoppable.

The post Together We Are NAMIWalks: Join Us! appeared first on NAMI Fairbanks.

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

The post Celebrating the 2025–2026 NAMI Fairbanks Scholarship Recipients appeared first on NAMI Fairbanks.

When mental illness enters a family, it changes routines, relationships, and expectations. You may find yourself juggling appointments, managing unpredictable behavior, or walking on eggshells to avoid triggering anxiety or conflict. It’s common to feel frustration, fear, confusion, grief, or even guilt—especially when you don’t have the tools or information you need.

And while you may show up every day with love and good intentions, you may also feel alone.
But you don’t have to.

Introducing NAMI Family-to-Family

NAMI Family-to-Family is a free, research-based education program created specifically for family members, partners, and caregivers of someone living with a mental health condition. It’s taught by people who have walked this path—not by clinical professionals, but by family members who truly get it.

Over the course of the program, you’ll learn:

• What mental health diagnoses mean—and what they don’t
• How treatment works, including medications and therapies
• Communication and problem-solving strategies that help everyone feel heard
• How to navigate crisis situations and advocate confidently
• The importance of boundaries, self-care, and long-term resilience

But perhaps the most meaningful part isn’t found in the curriculum—it’s found in the connection. For many people, the first night feels like a weight lifting: “These people understand. I’m not alone.”

Why This Matters

Mental illness can make family life unpredictable. One day your loved one may seem motivated and hopeful; the next, small tasks may feel impossible to them. You may struggle to separate the person you love from the symptoms they’re experiencing. You may wonder if you should step in, step back, or do both simultaneously.

These challenges are real—and you deserve support, too.

Taking NAMI Family-to-Family doesn’t mean you’re failing or unsure. It means you are strong enough to learn, to grow, and to show up more effectively—for your loved one and for yourself.

Hope and Help Are Within Reach

Participants often share that after completing the class, they feel:

• Less overwhelmed
• More informed
• More confident
• More hopeful
• More connected

Some even describe the experience as the moment everything finally started to make sense.

Your Journey Doesn’t Have to Feel So Heavy

If you are tired of guessing, worried you might be doing the wrong thing, or simply longing to talk to others who understand—this course is for you.

Registration is now open for the upcoming in-person NAMI Family-to-Family class offered by NAMI Fairbanks. The class is completely free, and space is limited.

You’ve been supporting your loved one.
Now it’s time to support you.

👉 Pre-register here—and take the next step toward clarity, connection, and hope. Click the link or call 907-456-4704.

The post When Someone You Love Is Struggling: Why You Don’t Have to Navigate Mental Illness Alone appeared first on NAMI Fairbanks.

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(Reposted from its original publication on April 20, 2022)

Stigma is when someone views you in a negative way because you have a distinguishing characteristic or personal trait that’s thought to be, or actually is, a disadvantage (a negative stereotype). Unfortunately, negative attitudes and beliefs toward people who have a mental health condition are common.

Stigma can lead to discrimination. Discrimination may be obvious and direct, such as someone making a negative remark about your mental illness or your treatment. Or it may be unintentional or subtle, such as someone avoiding you because the person assumes you could be unstable, violent or dangerous due to your mental illness. You may even judge yourself.

Some of the harmful effects of stigma can include:

• Reluctance to seek help or treatment
• Lack of understanding by family, friends, co-workers or others
• Fewer opportunities for work, school or social activities or trouble finding housing
• Bullying, physical violence or harassment
• Health insurance that doesn’t adequately cover your mental illness treatment
• The belief that you’ll never succeed at certain challenges or that you can’t improve your situation

Here are some ways you can deal with stigma:

• Get treatment.You may be reluctant to admit you need treatment. Don’t let the fear of being labeled with a mental illness prevent you from seeking help. Treatment can provide relief by identifying what’s wrong and reducing symptoms that interfere with your work and personal life.
• Don’t let stigma create self-doubt and shame.Stigma doesn’t just come from others. You may mistakenly believe that your condition is a sign of personal weakness or that you should be able to control it without help. Seeking counseling, educating yourself about your condition and connecting with others who have mental illness can help you gain self-esteem and overcome destructive self-judgment.
• Don’t isolate yourself.If you have a mental illness, you may be reluctant to tell anyone about it. Your family, friends, clergy or members of your community can offer you support if they know about your mental illness. Reach out to people you trust for the compassion, support and understanding you need.
• Don’t equate yourself with your illness.You are not an illness. So instead of saying “I’m bipolar,” say “I have bipolar disorder.” Instead of calling yourself “a schizophrenic,” say “I have schizophrenia.”
• Join a support group.Some local and national groups, such as the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), offer local programs and internet resources that help reduce stigma by educating people who have mental illness, their families and the general public. Some state and federal agencies and programs, such as those that focus on vocational rehabilitation and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), offer support for people with mental illness.
• Get help at school.If you or your child has a mental illness that affects learning, find out what plans and programs might help. Discrimination against students because of a mental illness is against the law, and educators at primary, secondary and college levels are required to accommodate students as best they can. Talk to teachers, professors or administrators about the best approach and resources. If a teacher doesn’t know about a student’s disability, it can lead to discrimination, barriers to learning and poor grades.
• Speak out against stigma. Consider expressing your opinions at events, in letters to the editor or on the internet. It can help instill courage in others facing similar challenges and educate the public about mental illness.

Others’ judgments almost always stem from a lack of understanding rather than information based on facts. Learning to accept your condition and recognize what you need to do to treat it, seeking support, and helping educate others can make a big difference.

Rather than figure out where stigma begins, it’s easier to become more aware of what it is and when it occurs. Then we can do our best to educate others about how to reduce stigma and work toward ultimately eliminating it.

PERSONAL EXPERIENCE

I am very particular about who I share my mental health with, and this is all because of stigma. I’ve faced judgement, prejudice, ridicule, and teasing because of my mental illness. As a result, I am very private about it. That bothers me because I want so bad to educate people. But our society is not very forgiving, so I’ve chosen to pick my outlets to help others very carefully. That is why I am involved with NAMI. It’s a safe place to help others and I am so grateful for the people I meet through NAMI and the NAMI Connections peer to peer group. It’s one of the few places that I feel comfortable being me and I feel like I have finally found “my people.”

The post Overcoming Stigma appeared first on NAMI Fairbanks.