Support, Education, Advocacy, and Awareness for Mental Health and Illness in Bonner and Boundary Counties, Idaho
Upcoming EventsPrograms
Below is a list of upcoming events.
To view the complete calendar, click here.
- May 25, 2025, 4:00 pm: Tending the Spirit – Connection Support Group (NAMI CDA)
- May 26, 2025, 5:30 pm: Online Connection Support Group (NAMI WRV)
- May 26, 2025, 6:30 pm: Rainbow Circle Connection Support Group (NAMI ID)
- May 27, 2025, 10:00 am: Sand Creek Connections Open Hours
- May 27, 2025, 6:00 pm: Hybrid en línea grupo de apoyo para familias en españo (NAMI WRV)
- May 28, 2025, 10:30 am: Online Coffee Break Connection Check-In (NAMI CDA)
- May 28, 2025, 6:00 pm: Virtual Family Support Group (NAMI WRV)
- May 29, 2025, 10:00 am: Sand Creek Connections Open Hours
- May 29, 2025, 11:00 am: Gratitude Connection Meeting
- May 29, 2025, 7:00 pm: Online Connection Support Group (NAMI UV)
- May 30, 2025, 10:00 am: Sand Creek Connections Open Hours
- May 30, 2025, 4:00 pm: Sand Creek Connections Open Hours
- May 30, 2025, 8:00 pm: Night Shift Connection Support Group (NAMI WRV)
- June 1, 2025, 4:00 pm: Tending the Spirit – Connection Support Group (NAMI CDA)
- June 2, 2025, 5:30 pm: Online Connection Support Group (NAMI WRV)
- June 2, 2025, 6:30 pm: Online Conexion Spanish Support Group (NAMI ID)
- June 2, 2025, 6:30 pm: Rainbow Circle Connection Support Group (NAMI ID)
- June 3, 2025, 10:00 am: Sand Creek Connections Open Hours
- June 3, 2025, 5:00 pm: In Person Connection Support Group (NAMI FN)
- June 3, 2025, 6:00 pm: Hybrid en línea grupo de apoyo para familias en españo (NAMI WRV)
- June 3, 2025, 6:00 pm: Hybrid Family Support Group (NAMI CDA)(6 pm PST)
What is NAMI?
NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness.
MISSION
- To Provide Support, Education And Advocacy For People With Mental Illness, Family Members And Friends.
- To Provide A Network Of Support For Consumers, Family Members, And Friends In Times Of Crisis And On An On-Going Basis.
- To Elevate The Level Of Sensitivity And Knowledge Of Mental Illness Among Health Care Professionals, Law Enforcement Agencies And The Public.
- To Promote Better Quality Of Care For Consumers, To Promote The Rights And Interests Of Consumers; And To Advocate Policies At The Local, State, And National Levels To Accomplish These Objectives.
NAMI Far North is organized to serve those impacted by mental illness in Bonner and Boundary Counties of Idaho. Through advocacy, research, support and education, NAMI Far North is dedicated to improving the quality of life for persons living with serious mental illness and for their families and friends.
NAMI National started as a small group of families gathered around a kitchen table in 1979 and has blossomed into the nation’s leading voice on mental health. Today, we are an alliance of more than 600 local Affiliates and 48 State Organizations who work in your community to raise awareness and provide support and education that was not previously available to those in need.
Board of Director Spotlight:
Dr. Joe Wassif
Dr. Joe Wassif is a Penn State graduate and one of Idaho’s first prescribing psychologists. With 18 years of diverse mental health experience, he’s worked in various settings, from outpatient care to universities. Dr. Wassif believes in a holistic approach to mental health, using multiple tools to help patients overcome barriers to personal growth and optimal health.
Currently at Kaniksu Community Health, Joe is known for his patient-centered approach and team-oriented decision-making. He’s committed to advocating for his patients’ needs and being fully present for each individual.
When not helping others, Joe enjoys lakeside activities and backpacking with his family. In winter, you might spot him skiing with his kids at Schweitzer.
Dr. Wassif has been serving NAMI Far North since 2023. We appreciate his energy, passion, and commitment to our cause!
About Us
NAMI Far North was organized to serve those impacted by mental illness in Bonner and Boundary Counties of Idaho – the northernmost counties in the state. We are dedicated to improving the quality of life for people living with mental illness and providing support to their family and friends.
A Brief History
NAMI Far North was organized in Sandpoint, Idaho in February 2007 by five individuals who believed a local affiliate was needed in this community. Our board members, all of whom are individuals whose lives have been affected by mental illness, are committed to maintaining a viable and active NAMI affiliate. We were asked by NAMI Idaho to serve both Bonner and Boundary counties.
We are an officially chartered NAMI affiliate that was incorporated as an Idaho Non-Profit Corporation on May 29, 2007 and received our charter at the NAMI National Convention in Seattle, June of 2012. Our Bylaws were approved by our members on August 15, 2007. We were granted our formal tax exempt status by the IRS under section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code on December 19, 2007. And we re-affiliated in 2019.
NAMI Far North programs are an important means of providing support and education locally for persons living with mental interests and their families.
Strategic Plan
Whether you are a current or prospective supporter, a community member, or a person affected by mental health conditions, reading the strategic plan can help you become more informed and engaged in NAMI Far North’s efforts to improve mental health awareness.
NAMI Far North Board of Directors:
- Catherine Perusse, PhD, LPC, NCC
- Dawn Mehra, DVM
- Joseph Wassif, PhD, MSCP
- Kayla Ireland
- Kim Kempton
- Rebekah Little
- Sharon Bistodeau
- Steve Klatt
- Victor Vosen
Helpful Links
Did You Know?
NAMI MEDIA
The following campaigns help fund our projects – NAMI Far North and the Sand Creek Connections.
Thank-you for your generous support!
NAMI Far North
NAMI is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health advocacy organization.
Your generous donation to NAMI Far North is tax-deductible and will go directly towards supporting local mental health programs, education, and advocacy efforts. With your help, we can offer free support groups and activities to those in need in our community and work towards breaking down the barriers of stigma surrounding mental illness. Our donate button takes you to PayPal where you can donate securely using debit or credit, and even set up recurring donations.
Thank you for your support!
To donate by check to NAMI Far North, please mail donation to:
NAMI Far North Idaho
P.O. Box 2415
Sandpoint, ID 83864
Sand Creek Connections
Funds donated to this campaign go directly to the Sand Creek Connections in Sandpoint.
... or scan our QR code to donate!
How Can I Help?
By volunteering with NAMI Far North, you can make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and families affected by mental illness. Volunteers are needed in the following roles:
- NAMI Walks and Movie Night Events
- Support Group Greeter/Host
- Peer Family and Connection Support Leaders (stipends and paid training)
- Marketing/Social Media
join
Membership in NAMI Far North entitles you to membership in NAMI and NAMI Idaho. You will receive the NAMI "Advocate" and the NAMI Idaho Quarterly News.
Please provide your information below, then click submit to proceed to pay your annual dues:
- $5 for Open Door Membership
- $40 for Individual Membership
- $60 for Family Membership
contact us
Have questions? Reach out to us!
NAMI Far North Idaho
P.O. Box 2415
Sandpoint, ID 83864
If you are in crisis, call 988: Suicide and Crisis Lifeline 24/7
