Media
NAMI Chicago has been featured in TV, radio and print media across Chicago and Illinois.
We welcome media requests about the below topics and more: to request, please contact media@namichicago.org.
Mental health at the individual, family, and community level
Healing, recovery, and how equity supports mental health
Workplace wellness
Officer and first responder mental health
The behavioral health crisis continuum, 988, and alternative response for behavioral health crisis
Suicide prevention and intervention
Statement from NAMI Chicago on the Militarized Presence in Chicago
October 7, 2025
CHICAGO – The ongoing deployment of troops and militarized federal agents in Chicago is unnecessary, harmful, and traumatizing for our communities and their mental health. The detrimental impact of such tactics will be far-reaching and long-lasting. NAMI Chicago is here to help our city do what it does best: show up for one another and heal together.
NAMI Chicago Hosts Annual NAMIWalks to End Mental Health Stigma
October 4, 2025
CHICAGO —Today, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Chicago hosts its annual NAMIWalks in Jackson Park, bringing together more than 700 supporters, families, community members, and local organizations for a 5K walk and day of activities. The event aims to raise $200,000 to expand access to mental health resources and break down the stigma that too often prevents people from seeking care.
Construction’s Mental Health Crisis
September 23, 2025
With suicides in the construction industry at a tragically record high, Ozinga Health & Safety VP Adam Pummer and Safety Trainer Steve Lindley are joined by Teri McKean, Director of Crisis and Support Operations at NAMI Chicago, to discuss these statistics in an effort to reduce stigmas and offer insight as to what Ozinga is doing to assist their and coworkers.
Mental Health Advocate Matthew Davison Named CEO of NAMI Chicago
September 16, 2025
CHICAGO — The Board of Directors of NAMI Chicago is proud to announce the appointment of Matthew (Matt) Davison as the organization’s next Chief Executive Officer, effective September 22, 2025.
Davison is a nationally recognized advocate and attorney who has dedicated his career to advancing mental health law and policy. He has represented thousands of individuals with lived experience across the behavioral health continuum and has worked closely with providers, hospitals, and crisis workers at the intersection of health care and the law. In 2020, NAMI Chicago honored him with its Light the Darkness award for his community advocacy.
Statement from NAMI Chicago on Being Named a 2025 Chicago Best and Brightest Company
to Work For
September 3, 2025
What to do if an employee has begun "quiet cracking"
August 20, 2025
NAMI Chicago Appoints Interim CEO
August 5, 2025
IL parents urged to prioritize kids' mental health during new school year
August 3, 2025
Heading back to school can be anxiety-inducing for kids of all ages, and Illinois mental health advocates advise parents ensure kids have a safe space to process their emotions.
The start of a new school year is often when parents schedule annual wellness visits for their kids.
Statement from NAMI Chicago on the Presidential Executive Order
Criminalizing Mental Health and Homelessness
July 25, 2025
Cook County Health and NAMI Chicago Announce Enhanced Helpline and Mental Health Support for Residents Across the County
April 23, 2025
Illinois Students and Advocates Call on Lawmakers to Fully Fund Campus Mental Health Support
April 9, 2025
Young Invincibles and the National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI) Chicago joined students and legislative leaders, Representative La Shawn K. Ford and Representative Lindsey LaPointe, to advocate to fully fund the Mental Health Early Action on Campus Act (MHEACA) at $23.5 million for fiscal year 2026.
Where to Go?: Alternatives to Emergency Departments in the Behavioral Health Crisis System in Cook County
NAMI Chicago CEO Stepping Down this Summer
February 26, 2025
With a legacy of impactful leadership in mental health services, Alexa James prepares for her next chapter as she transitions out of her role with the organization late summer
Better Magazine
July 3, 2024
How NAMI’s 988 Call Center Provides Local Support for the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Crain’s Chicago Business
Opinion Article by Alexa James
November 6, 2023
Opinion: We're having the wrong conversations about mental health and mass shootings
If you do not have a Crain’s subscription, read here.
The Hollywood Reporter
Article Featuring NAMI Chicago
February 3, 2023
Gravitas Ventures Takes North American Rights to ‘The Year Between’
WTTW
TV Interview Featuring Alexa James
January 26, 2023
Surge in Demand for Mental Health Services a Challenge for Providers
Patch.Com
Article Featuring Alexa James
January 25, 2023
Mental Health Campaign Tackles Challenges Caused By COVID-19
Block Club Chicago
Article Featuring Ben Frank
December 14, 2022
Winter Weather Got You Down? Go Outside, Exercise To Combat Seasonal Affective Disorder, Experts Say
WBEZ
Radio Segment Featuring Rachel Bhagwat
October 5, 2022
WGN Radio
Radio Segment Featuring Alexa James
September 9, 2022
National Suicide Prevention Week: How to spot the warning signs
The Philidelphia Citizen
Article Featuring Alexa James
August 30, 2022
Ideas We Should Steal: Mental Health Days for Philly Students
ABC 7
Article Featuring NAMI Chicago CEO, Alexa James
August 21, 2022
Mental health expert encourages social media breaks as students head back to school
Collaborative Endeavors
Podcast Featuring Chief Integration Officer Jim Poole
July 26, 2022
Analyzing helpline data to improve community and staff mental health
Newsbreak Site
Article Featuring NAMI Chicago Director of Policy Rachel Bhagwat
July 20, 2022
WGN Radio
Radio interview featuring NAMI Chicago CEO Alexa James
July 18, 2022
ABC7
TV segment featuring NAMI Chicago CEO Alexa James
July 15, 2022
Fortune
Article Featuring NAMI Chicago Director of Policy Rachel Bhagwat
July 15, 2022
WGN
TV segment featuring NAMI Chicago CEO Alexa James
July 6, 2022
Illinois ‘red flag’ gun laws come under scrutiny following parade shooting
CBS News
Interview featuring NAMI Chicago CEO Alexa James
June 22, 2022
WGN Radio
Radio Interview with NAMI Chicago Director of Policy Rachel Bhagwat
June 14, 2022
Beginning in July, there’s a number to call if you’re suffering from a mental health crisis
ABC7 Eyewitness News
News Segment and Article Featuring NAMI Chicago Director of Policy Rachel Bhagwat
June 13, 2022
NAMI Chicago prepares for launch of mental health crisis hotline
City Limits
Article Co-Authored by NAMI Chicago CEO Alexa James
April 8, 2022
Opinion: Defendants Living with Mental Illness Need Treatment, Not Jail
Chicago Tribune
Written Article Including an Interview with NAMI Chicago Director of Policy Rachel Bhagwat
April 6, 2022
Chicago Magazine
Written Interview with NAMI Chicago CEO Alexa James
March 3, 2022
WTTW
News Segment and Article featuring NAMI Chicago CEO Alexa James
February 23, 2022
Illinois Prepares for July Launch of 988 Suicide Prevention Hotline
ABC7 Our Chicago
News Segment and Article featuring NAMI Chicago CEO Alexa James
January 2, 2022
COVID-19 pandemic takes toll on mental health after nearly 2 years
ABC7 Eyewitness News
News Segment featuring NAMI Chicago CEO Alexa James
November 27, 2021
Chicago Tribune
Op-Ed by NAMI Chicago CEO Alexa James
October 12, 2021
“Op-ed: Court system traps people with mental health issues”
WGN9
News Segment featuring NAMIWalks Your Way Chicago
September 18, 2021
"Walk raises awareness for mental health and support in Chicago"
Crain’s Chicago Business
Guest Article by NAMI Chicago CEO Alexa James
August 26, 2021
Chicago Tribune
Feature on NAMI Chicago
July 16, 2021
Chicago Sun-Times
Print interview with NAMI Chicago Chief Wellness Officer Ben Frank
May 21, 2021
“Mental health issues on the rise even as pandemic eases its grip”
FOX 32 Chicago
TV Interview with NAMI Chicago CEO Alexa James
May 6, 2021
“Prioritizing mental health is paramount during the pandemic”
Univision Chicago
TV Interview with NAMI Chicago Clinical Support Coordinator Luis Disotuar
May 4, 2021
“Así es la labor de esta organización en Chicago para apoyar a personas con problemas de salud mental”
PBS
TV Interview with NAMI Chicago Chief Wellness Officer Ben Frank
March 22, 2021
WBBM Newsradio
Feature on NAMI Chicago CEO Alexa James
March 11, 2021
“CPD announces new mental health adviser following pair of officer suicides”
WBEZ Chicago
Podcast Interview with NAMI Chicago CEO Alexa James
March 9, 2021
“Closing the Gap: How the Pandemic is Impacting Our Mental Health”
ABC7 Chicago
TV interview with NAMI Chicago Recovery Support Provider Eric Cowgill, and CEO Alexa James
December 7, 2020
“COVID-19 pandemic strains mental health infrastructure, leaving patients vulnerable”
WBEZ
Print interview with NAMI Chicago COO Jen McGowan-Tomke
September 9, 2020
“A Law Aims To Improve Mental Health Services At Colleges, But There’s No Money to Make It Happen”
WBEZ’s The Reset
Radio interview with NAMI Chicago CEO Alexa James
July 10, 2020
“As Chicago Looks To Post-COVID Recovery, Lightfoot Zeroes In On Mental Health Resources”
WTTW Chicago Tonight
TV panel discussion with NAMI Chicago CEO Alexa James
June 15, 2020
“How Community Organizations Can Help Reduce Dependence on Police”
Block Club Chicago
Interview with NAMI Chicago CEO Alexa James
April 27, 2020
“Recovery From Crisis Must Also Focus On Mental Health, Officials Say”
WGN-TV
TV Feature on NAMI Chicago
April 18, 2020
Chicago Ideas Blog
Feature on NAMI Chicago
March 30, 2020
"How Chicago Mental Health Professionals Are Handling a Deluge of New Cases”
ABC7 Chicago
TV interview with NAMI Chicago Associate Director Jen McGowan-Tomke
December 13, 2019
WTTW Chicago Tonight
TV panel discussion with NAMI Chicago CEO Alexa James
October 8, 2019
"Is it time to reopen Chicago’s shuttered mental health clinics?"
Chicago Tribune
Editorial by NAMI Chicago CEO Alexa James
March 11, 2019
“To the police officers who serve us: In moments of despair, remember that you are not alone.”