To provide support, education and advocacy for people with mental illness (hereinafter referred to as “consumers”), family members and friends. To provide a network of support for consumers, family members and friends in times of crisis and on an on-going basis. To elevate the level of sensitivity and knowledge of mental illness among health care professionals, law enforcement agencies and the public. To promote better quality of care for consumers, to promote the rights and interests of consumers and to advocate policies at the local, state and national levels to accomplish these objectives.

Description:
NAMI Far North was organized to serve those impacted by mental illness in Bonner and Boundary Counties of Idaho – the northernmost counties in the state. We are dedicated to improving the quality of life for persons living with serious mental illness and for their families and friends.

We invite those living in Bonner and Boundary Counties in Idaho to join us in our efforts. Our monthly meetings are held on the third Wednesday of every month in the classroom of the Bonner General Hospital, Third Avenue and Alder Street, Sandpoint, Idaho 83864. The meetings, which are held from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m., generally have a brief business meeting which is followed by a speaker on a subject that is noted on our monthly calendar. The last hour is generally devoted to a Consumer Support Group meeting and a Family Support Group meeting. We do not have a meeting in December.

History:
NAMI Far North was organized in Sandpoint, Idaho in February 2007 by five individuals who believed a local affiliate was needed in this community. Our board members, all of whom are individuals whose lives have been affected by mental illness, are committed to establishing a viable and active NAMI affiliate. We were asked by NAMI Idaho to serve both Bonner and Boundary counties.

Our affiliate was incorporated as an Idaho Non-Profit Corporation on May 29, 2007. Our Bylaws were approved by our members on August 15, 2007. We were granted our formal tax exempt status by the IRS under section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code on December 19, 2007.

NAMI Far North programs are an important means of providing support and education locally for persons living with mental illness and their families.

Contact people:

Ann Wimberley, President, (208) 597-0477, (email) Catherine Perusse, Secretary, (208) 290-6161, (email)

Address:

PO Box 2415 Sandpoint, ID 83864

Web Site: http://www.nami.org/MSTemplate.cfm?Section=About_Us140&Site=NAMI_Far_North&Template=/ContentManagement/HTMLDisplay.cfm&ContentID=59741

Directions:

Nearest Metro/Subway Stop: N/A   Nearest Bus Stop: N/A