NAMI and The HealthCentral Network Announce Partnership to Develop Online Resources

Posted on June 8, 2006

Arlington, VA — The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and The HealthCentral Network (www.TheHealthCentralNetwork.com), a ChoiceMedia company, have formed a partnership to create new Internet content and services for individuals seeking information on mental illnesses and support for recovery.

"NAMI continually seeks new ways to raise the visibility of our unique education programs," said Michael J. Fitzpatrick, NAMI Executive Director. "Our partnership with HealthCentral offers access to millions of health care consumers and families who may be affected by mental illness. Early intervention for people experiencing symptoms, and practical education and coping skills, are critical for illness management and recovery."

"Given The HealthCentral Network’s focus on the power of peer-to-peer connection, NAMI is a natural partner for us," said Chris Schroeder, CEO and President of The HealthCentral Network. "NAMI’s tremendous online support services, library of action-oriented materials, and grassroots advocacy complement our expert patient content and production capabilities."

As part of the partnership’s inauguration, The HealthCentral Network will provide video coverage of highlights of NAMI’s annual national convention, June 28-July 2, 2006 in Washington, D.C., including an "Ask the Doctor" session.

Initial collaboration also will include exchange of content, reflecting the personal experiences of people living with mental illnesses and NAMI’s advocacy of cost-effective, recovery-oriented treatment and services.

NAMI’s community of leaders, members and volunteers will gain access to The HealthCentral Network’s multimedia capabilities and online community of consumers and experts, while The HealthCentral Network’s community will draw support from NAMI’s extensive education and mental health awareness initiatives.

Through new tools such as customizable Web sites to keep extended families up-to-date, and expert advice from persons who have actually lived with an illness, The HealthCentral Network hopes to provide connections to help overcome the isolation and stigma that often characterizes mental illnesses.

About The HealthCentral Network

The HealthCentral Network (www.TheHealthCentralNetwork.com) has over 30 general health and highly specific condition and wellness web properties, each committed to offering a voice in every day and personal language people can understand and connect with at critical points in their lives. Each site provides timely, interactive, in-depth, and trusted medical information, personalized tools and resources, and connections to vast communities of expertise for people seeking to engage in, manage and improve their health. The award-winning, multi-media experience combines medically-reviewed articles from doctors and researchers, as well as news, information, video and extensive engagement from every day people who have great experience and empathy in specific health areas. The Company also produces the Medical Breakthroughs television show, seen around the country.

Founded in the late 1990s as ChoiceMedia, Inc, the company has recently been acquired by a team of blue-chip investors including Sequoia Capital, Polaris Ventures, The Carlyle Group and Allen and Company. With a management team that combines decades of experience in interactive media and medical, science and news journalism, The HealthCentral Network aims for the highest standards of quality, relevance and community for patients and their caregivers.

About the National Alliance on Mental Illness

With more than 1100 state and local affiliates, NAMI is the nation’s largest grassroots organization dedicated to improving the lives of persons living with serious mental illnesses, and their families. Its mission is served through research, education, support and advocacy.