MONTHLY EDUCATIONAL MEETINGS are held on the 2nd Thursday of each month. Authoritative speakers provide information on such topics as: medications, research, schizophrenia, bipolar illness, housing options, family coping techniques, social security benefits.

FAMILY SUPPORT GROUPS meet in different parts of Alameda County. These are generally small groups, which allow families to share experiences and provide mutual support. See list of Support Groups in Alameda County for the families of persons with mental illness.

The FAMILY ADVOCATE NEWSLETTER is sent to all members monthly, and includes the announcement of the general meeting speaker and topic.

A LIBRARY of books, pamphlets, articles, and tapes is available for loan, at the Mental Health Association office.

STATE AND NATIONAL NETWORK members of the Family Alliance are enrolled as members of NAMI California and NAMI National and receive their newsletters.

INFORMATION & REFERRALS are provided to anyone trying to help a mentally ill relative or friend through the Families Information & Referral Service Telephone (FIRST)

To find out about more COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH resources, oganizations, services, and agencies, check out:

Mental Health Matters – TV Show
The Public Awareness Committee of the Mental Health Board has created a series of shows to increase community awareness, reduce stigma, and give hope.  Watch the new public access TV show that reveals the personal experiences of people impacted by mental health issues.  Episodes already shown can be viewed online:

ttp://www.acbhcs.org/News/Mental_Health_Matters.pdf

Behavioral Health Care Services (BHCS)
The Alameda County Department of Behavioral Health Care Services provides an extensive resource directory of services and providers available to residents of Alameda County.  These programs may vary from description.  Check with specific providers for additional information on specific services provided by their agency: p://www.acbhcs.org/providers/ResourceDir/ResourcesDir.htm