NAMI - Does venality trump advocacy?

"For three decades, NAMI has established itself as the most formidable grassroots mental health advocacy organization in the country."

@anonymous 3:11 I think they mean astroturf.

The link takes you to the complaint which is worth reading. The bottom line is that no one should take Geodon for label or off-label use. It has the worst heart-related side-effects profile than any other atypical.

Again, I am posting on this issue because it hurts. I know these people, at the local level, and I truly love these people. The degree that local AMIs, especially the dear, wonderful people involved out of pure selflessness and goodwill, have helped others affected by mental illness problems is immeasurable. Truly, not hyperbole, immeasurable. Life and death immeasurable. Across the years bringing me and others to tears to hear of sweetness and selflessness in the face of tragedy. I am comforted to learn that my BS meter continues to work well, as I "called" this phenomenon in a comment or two on FS several months back. I believe the top layer(s), for sure the national level, are all SELL-OUTs. I believe they are USING the power and dues of their local rank-and-file members in apower move to buddy up to a sugar daddy, Big Pharma. Of all the organizations worshiping at the alter of the dollar!! Of all people who should be able to see beyond the psychobabble and confidence-man gamesmanship of much of psychiatric treatment!!

I have spoken at a local AMI meeting and have, respectfully, brought this issue up directly.

Last year, several colleagues asked me for donations for the annual NAMI fundrasier walk. I donated a few dollars on behalf of each. I think some of them may have noted this to each other because I received no requests this year - like maybe they were embarrased to all put me in a spot where it is difficult to say 'no.' Either way: if a friend/colleague petitions me for a NAMI Walks donation, I will be tilted from my ambivalent position toward showing favor with a donation. But I do this knowing that we are all struggling at grass-roots to scrape up a few dollars, while 50% of the budget comes from Big Pharma, who could easily knock out four times as much. My conclusion? NAMI/big Pharma retain the citizens' group facade for PR purposes. NAMI, at least national, does not need my money. Come to think of it, maybe I will go sponsor postage for a year for a local chapter, since the benefits - families communicating with families, giving information, encouragement, and guidance, still happens, despite the "brain disorder" philosophy at the national level. Can you tell I am pissed? OK, rant off. Everyone back to your cubicles.