Mental Health for All

Today, 1 in 5 people live with mental illness. This represents 340,000 adults and 68,000 youths in Santa Clara County. On average, it takes 11 years from onset to receive care. It is often stigma that prevents people from seeking care. This presentation will cover mental health, stigma, and resources. Practical guidance on how to interact respectfully and effectively with people living with mental illness will be shared.

For over 15 years, Barb St. Clair has worn many hats at the National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI) in Santa Clara County. She has facilitated education classes, coordinated multiple programs, and worked on the NAMI HelpLine. Retired in 2022 after 45 years in technical sales, she is excited to be working in an outreach role expanding the NAMI programs within Santa Clara County. Barb is a family member of NAMI whose son, John, lived with schizophrenia for 25 years.