Jun 29, 2022

Arlington, VA — The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) announced today that it is closing its national office for the week of July 4-July 8 to provide employees paid time off for a Rest Up Week. NAMI is encouraging its employees to use that week to step away from all work demands and to recharge and rest — taking care of their mental and physical health.

The NAMI HelpLine will remain operational from 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. ET Monday-Friday.

“Our mission to be mental health advocates starts at home with our own employees,” said NAMI CEO Daniel H. Gillison Jr. “They, like many Americans, have been working tirelessly during an ongoing and shifting COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, political strife, the gun violence epidemic and continued stress of structural racism continue to take their toll on the mental health of Americans. We feel it is necessary to hit the pause button and give our employees a chance to rest and self-care. Our employees are our greatest asset.

We believe all employers have a responsibility to look out for the mental health of their employees.”

NAMI applauds other companies and organizations who have taken similar steps to bolster employee mental health and wellness. NAMI’s StigmaFree Company initiative provides companies with resources, suggested action plans and guides to improve mental health in the workplace. To join the initiative, click here.

NAMI HelpLine is available M-F, 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. ET. Call 800-950-6264,
text “helpline” to 62640, or chat online. In a crisis, call or text 988 (24/7).