NAMI PA’s annual conference offers exciting learning experiences covering a variety of topics.

Visit our website namipa.nami.org for regular schedule updates.
Policy – will address family and consumer concerns as it relates to advocacy and political participation, Medicare Part D, and the impact of the closure of state hospitals on the criminal justice system.
Criminal Justice Symposium– our theme focuses on “Law Enforcement Training and Intervention”
Science/Medical– topics will include schizophrenia, depression, suicide, medication compliance, and genetics.
Family– topics will focus on the role of families in recovery, changing roles of family members, re-building broken trust, suicide risk and estate planning.
Elderly– topics designed to inform about aging and mental illness including suicide prevention.
Veterans– learn about veterans with mental illness and the issues they face.
Affiliate Development– we will provide training/education regarding board officer training, membership development, and other topics relating to building organizational capacity.
Emergency Preparedness– will focus on natural and man-made disasters and strategies you can use to prepare yourself, your family members, and loved ones. Don’t miss the workshop on Pandemic Influenza!
State Programs- will address issues impacting persons with a mental illness involving Pennsylvania State government, in particular OMHSAS.
Scholarship opportunities are available for consumers and family members.
TREATMENT / THERAPY / MEDICATIONS– These workshops will present current information on suicide prevention, our ever popular Ask the Doctor sessions, co-morbidity between mental illness and diabetes, in home medication management, psychiatric service dogs, exercise, diet and mental health, sleep patterns, and Ask the Pharmacist.
RECOVERY– Dr. Fred Frese will lead off our workshops on recovery exploring myths and miracles. There will also be workshops on mental health recovery and fighting stigma.
RESEARCH– research topics this year include sessions on brain imaging and telepsychiatry.
COMMUNITY OUTREACH– the area of outreach in our communities is critical to education, support and advocacy. Topics include outreach on college campuses, community support programs and reaching communities of color.
CRIMINAL JUSTICE– topics include the Prison Anti-Death Penalty Task Force and helpful suggestions if your child is arrested, and enhanced re-entry services.
VETERANS– this year we are presenting an extended track on veterans including returning service people from Iraq and Afghanistan, co-occurring disorders and veterans and post traumatic stress disorder and depression.