The mission statement/purpose of NAMI Alabama is to provide support, education, and advocacy for persons with mental illnesses, their families, and others whose lives are affected by these brain disorders. This is accomplished by: • Educating the people of Alabama about mental illness thereby reducing stigma • Providing support for individuals with mental illness to grow and contribute to their community • Developing, nurturing and coordinating a statewide network of local affiliates • Promoting public policies which expand services and improve treatment for all persons living with a mental illness and supporting research leading to the control and management of mental illness