At the heart of NAMI’s mission is the sharing of information with consumers (i.e., persons with mental illnesses), their families, friends, mental health professionals, and the general public. NAMI educates all people about severe and persistent mental illnesses to eliminate stigma and promote access to integrated systems of care, education, and rehabilitation. Research is constantly providing us with new information about the brain and the nature of mental illnesses and, consequently, more effective treatments. The information below comes from mental healthcare providers, advocates, and researchers.