NAMI NJ’s first executive director turned volunteer organization into largest grassroots effort to improve the lives of those with mental illness

March 7, 2022

PHOTO COURTESY OF NAMI NJ — Sylvia Axelrod, NAMI NJ's first executive director, is credited with turning a volunteer organization into the state's largest grassroots effort to support those with mental illness. She died on Feb. 27 at age 82.

The National Alliance on Mental Illness of New Jersey (NAMI NJ) shared the passing of Sylvia Axelrod, the organization’s first executive director, who took NAMI NJ from a volunteer organization to New Jersey’s largest grassroots organization dedicated to improving the lives of those living with mental illness.

Highlights of Axelrod’s accomplishments over her more than 25-year tenure with NAMI NJ include:

Creation of the NAMI NJ Multicultural Outreach programs: AACT-NOW, NAMI NJ en Español, SAMHAJ and CAMHOP.
Production of outreach videos: “Documenting Our Presence: Multicultural Experiences of Mental Illness Documenting Our Presence” and “The Community I Serve: Law Enforcement & Persons with Mental Illness”, extending NAMI’s outreach to special populations in New Jersey.
Dara Axelrod Expressive Arts Network: Created in 1993, spearheaded by the late Dara Axelrod, to encourage self-expression, personal growth, networking, advocacy and the understanding of how artists affected by mental illness have contributed to enriching society.
Initiating the education of school communities through Educating the Educator and Every Mind Matters programs.
Participating in the creation of The New Jersey Governor’s Council on Mental Health Stigma and its Ambassador Awards Ceremonies.
Expansion of NAMI affiliates to cover every county in the state.

“Through her leadership, Sylvia made NAMI NJ a state and national leader in providing support and education, building advocacy, and combating stigma. Sylvia was a respected leader, beloved advocate and trusted friend. NAMI NJ mourns her loss and renews our commitment to continuing her legacy into the future,” current Executive Director Meredith Masin Blount said in a prepared statement.

Axelrod died on Feb. 27 at age 82.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Dara Axelrod Expressive Arts Network of NAMI NJ, 1562 Route 130, North Brunswick 08902. For more information, visit www.naminj.org/programs/ean/ or www.naminj.org/donation/donate.

To share memories and condolences, visit the obituary page at www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/brookline-ma/sylvia-axelrod-10610695

Axelrod’s family held a Zoom memorial service on March 6.

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