The National Alliance on Mental Illness of Texas (NAMI Texas) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization founded by volunteers in 1984. NAMI Texas is affiliated with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and has 27 local affiliates throughout Texas. NAMI Texas has nearly 2,000 members made up of individuals living with mental illness, family members, friends, and professionals. Its purpose is to help improve the lives of people affected by mental illness through education, support, and advocacy. NAMI Texas offers a variety of education and support programs addressing the mental health needs of Texans and designed for individuals living with mental illness, family members, friends, professionals, other stake holders, and the community at large. NAMI Texas works to inform the public about mental illness by distributing information about mental illness through every means of communication. Interviews are produced on television, stories are featured in newspapers, brochures are produced and distributed, referrals are provided and newsletters and other publications are utilized.