Media Resources
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Welcome to the source of information and resources for journalists and other media to accurately report on NAMI Navigator Charlotte, a program of NAMI Charlotte, as well as responsible practices for reporting on mental health and suicide.
Whether you’re a journalist or media outlet requiring information about NAMI Charlotte, or need a mental health expert to interview, our team can help. The frequently updated media resources below includes the history of NAMI Charlotte and NAMI Navigator, our logos, photos, best practices for reporting on suicide, and mental health statistics.
Contact Executive Director Kate Weaver, for all media inquiries. Reporters on deadline should call the Foundation at 704-680-6677 ext. 001.
Quick Facts
NAMI NAVIGATOR CHARLOTTE
Developed by NAMI Charlotte, in collaboration with Grant Halliburton Foundation and their proven program model Here For Texas, the NAMI Navigator program offers three free community tools to help Mecklenburg County community members find mental health and addiction information and resources. The program includes: 1) a website with a robust resource directory, 2) a Navigator Call Line with compassionate volunteers offering guidance and, 3) a NAMI Resource Center (add hyperlink with the address) with staff support and print resource materials.
NAMINavigatorCharlotte.org, launched June 2025 with a searchable, online database of more than 600 mental health and addiction professionals and support resources, designed to help people make informed decisions about mental health care and wellness.
The NAMI Navigator CLT Line is a free helpline at 704-705-7004, offering personal assistance with finding providers and resources. A non-crisis alternative to 988, the Navigator Call Line began taking calls in September 2025.
In September 2025, NAMI Navigator Charlotte/espanol launched to increase access to mental health information and care for the Charlotte region’s Hispanic communities. NAMI Charlotte offers mental health resources in Spanish as well, and works to reduce the stigma of talking about mental health concerns through a program called Compartiendo Esperaza.
The NAMI Navigator Charlotte program was established to honor Kathryn Grace Brydon’s life. Despite her fierce determination to live an abundant life, Kate Brydon lost her battle with mental illness in February 2024 at the age of 31. Her family and friends wanted to ensure that individuals and families facing mental health challenges in the Charlotte community would not feel alone in their darkest hours and invested to make the Navigator program possible. One of Kate’s greatest gifts was her compassion for people who were sad or struggling in some way. The program’s tagline is Kate’s Grace: Finding Light in the Darkness.
Kate’s father Tom Brydon joined the NAMI Charlotte board in 2024 and began searching for a way to improve access through the complex mental healthcare landscape in the Charlotte region. Together with friends, Rob Berton and Mike Caine, and alongside NAMI Charlotte Executive Director, Kate Weaver, the team found a highly successful model in Texas, www.herefortexas.com. In partnership with the Grant Halliburton Foundation, Charlotte is the first city to replicate the program to help individuals and families find hope as they navigate the mental health landscape for treatment and support.
NAMI CHARLOTTE
NAMI-Charlotte was founded in 1971 when two mothers met to support one another about mental health concerns in their families. They invited others to join their group, which they called the Schizophrenia Association of North Carolina at Charlotte, North Carolina. Although the non-profit organization’s name changed a few times over the years, in 2007 we changed our affiliate’s name NAMI-Charlotte to align with our national affiliate, NAMI - National Alliance on Mental Illness.
Today local affiliates, state organizations, and volunteers work to raise awareness and provide support, education and advocacy to a cross-section of society seeking better mental health.
OUR MISSION
Guided by the experiences of those living with mental health conditions and rooted in equity, NAMI Charlotte provides advocacy, education, support and connections to resources so that all individuals and families affected by mental illness can build healthier lives. For a more in-depth look at our programs, visit the Foundation’s What We Do page.
OUR PROGRAMS
In addition to the NAMI Navigator CLT program, NAMI Charlotte offers free support and education through peer-led support groups, workshop series, presentations and community outreach events. For a more in-depth look at our programs, visit Support & Education pages.
Fact Sheet
Download the NAMI Navigator Charlotte fact sheet to learn more about its education programs, support groups, and more. Visit the Foundations About Us page for an in-depth look at Grant Halliburton Foundation.
Logos
NAMI Navigator Charlotte and NAMI Charlotte logo files are available in various formats. The best file type for print applications is .eps. The best file types for digital application are .png and .jpg. Download the desired file and then insert the logo into your document.
Contact NAMI Navigator Program Manager Andrea Towner with any questions or if you need clarification on these approved logos or their application.
Photography
NAMI Charlotte has select photos available to download for your media needs, including NAMI Navigator Charlotte photography. Contact us if your story requires photos not available on our site, or with any questions on these approved photos or their application.
Reporting on Suicide
Media coverage of suicide should be informed by using best practices. Some suicide deaths may be newsworthy. However, the way media cover suicide can influence behavior negatively by contributing to contagion, or positively by encouraging one to seek help. To learn more about covering suicide, visit reportingonsuicide.org.
Mental Health and Suicide Statistics
Mental Health and Suicide Statistics
1 in 5 U.S. adults experience mental illness each year
1 in 20 U.S. adults experience serious mental illness each year
1 in 6 U.S. youth aged 6-17 experience a mental health disorder each year
50% of all lifetime mental illness begins by age 14, and 75% by age 24
Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among people aged 10-14
Source and additional Mental Health by the Numbers at: NAMI