NAMI WESTERN CAROLINA is an affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to improving the lives of individuals and families affected by mental illness.Members are families, friends and people living with mental illnesses such as major depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder(OCD), panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and borderline personality disorder.

NAMI WESTERN CAROLINA welcomes families, friends and people with a mental illness to meetings at 10 am the first Saturday and 7 pm the third Tuesday of the month at Mountainhouse, 225 E. Chestnut St., Asheville. (Parking in the rear, use the side entrance) (map)

Call 687-6901 for information.

NAMI CONNECTION is a recovery support group for adults with mental illness, regardless of diagnosis. Trained individuals, who also are in recovery and understand the daily challenges, offer encouragement and support. Group meets at 10 am the first Saturday of the month at Mountainhouse. Facilitators: Marlene Wooten, 505-0438 marlenas333@peoplepc.com and Christine Smith, 258-1832 cijp1860@yahoo.com.

is a new education program for parents/caregivers of children and adolescents living with mental illness. Trained teachers or other caregivers with similar experiences with their own children teach this free six-week class. Facilitator: Sharon Pitts, NAMI BASICS 58-5359 sharonpitts1@gmail.com.

NAMI FAMILY-to-FAMILY EDUCATION is a free 12-week course of facts and support for families/caregivers of persons with a diagnosed mental illness. Trained family members teach the 2½-hour class. Early re-registration is required. Coordinator: Florence Rowe, 299-9596 rohaus@charter.net.

MAGNETIC MINDS is a support group for people with a bipolar diagnosis that meets at 7 pm the 1st and 3rd Wednesday monthly at Mountainhouse. Facilitator: Tracy Mixson, 232-0438 psychodog@charter.net. Website: wwwmagneticminds.org

IN OUR OWN VOICE offers free presentations by people with mental illness in recovery to dispel stigma; includes video, personal testimony and discussion. Coordinator: Tracy Mixson, 232-0438 namiwc.voice@charter.net.

NAMI gives peer-to-peer support, not led by mental health professionals.