The Naomi Ruth Cohen Charitable Foundation was established in 2000 by Lawrence and Marilyn Cohen to honor the memory of their daughter, Naomi, who lived with bipolar disorder and died by suicide. In 2002, the first annual community mental health conference was held, highlighting the essential role of lived experience and community in healing, connection, and raising awareness.
In 2008, the foundation became part of The Chicago School, evolving into The Naomi Ruth Cohen Institute for Mental Health Education (NRCI) at The Chicago School. This transition strengthened our platform and extended the reach of our longstanding commitment to eliminate the stigma surrounding mental illness and advance suicide prevention.
The Institute has touched the lives of thousands of individuals and families and various communities through its ongoing series of annual community mental health conferences as well as education and training programs. With focus on decreasing the impact stigma can have in the lives of those affected by mental health challenges, our conferences and outreach efforts have made a positive impact and given voice to many individuals.
Coalitions & Collaborations
NRCI works with a variety of community organizations to create and promote awareness of mental health issues. We believe that engaging in these dialogues and providing opportunities for people to become educated in mental health can help reduce the stigma of mental illness.
