NAMI Latino Leadership Institute Convenes in Los Angeles

Posted on September 22, 2003

Arlington, VA – NAMI, the Nation’s Voice on Mental Illness, will host an Instituto de Liderazgo (Leadership Institute) during the 9th Annual Latino Behavioral Health Institute’s (LBHI) Conference, September 23– 25, at the Universal City Hilton and Towers in Los Angeles.

Six leadership development workshops will provide NAMI Latino leaders with information and resources on strategic issues involved in advocating for mental healthcare reforms in their communities. Approximately 50 NAMI Latino leaders from the Los Angeles area and around the country will participate.

"The LBHI conference is an ideal venue to bring NAMI Latino leaders together and to strengthen and promote their leadership roles. It is one of the most prestigious conferences in the nation for the Latino community," said NAMI National Executive Director Richard C. Birkel, Ph.D.

LBHI is dedicated to eliminating discrimination against Latinos in need of behavioral health services, human services and health care. The conference will address issues of children, adults and older adults, and will explore contemporary issue of policy, training, research, clinical practice and education related to Latino mental health, substance abuse, health and human services.

"NAMI and the LBHI must work together to respond to the crisis in our communities. We have many values in common, including a commitment to individual dignity and a focus on family relationships. They are the foundations of our broader communities," said Birkel.

More than 1000 people are expected to attend the LBHI event.