The National Alliance of Mental Illness of Logan and Champaign Counties and Recovery Zone host their Annual Mental Illness Awareness Walk from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Oct. 7, at the West Liberty Lions Park in the shelter house next to the splash pad.
The public is invited to attend for door prizes, speakers, and more in of recognition of Mental Health Awareness Week.
Each year, millions of Americans face the reality of living with a mental health condition — but mental illness affects everyone directly or indirectly through family, friends or coworkers.
That is why each year, during the first week of October, NAMI and participants across the country raise awareness, fight discrimination and provide support.
“We believe that mental health conditions are important to discuss all year, but MIAW provides a dedicated time for mental health advocates across the country to come together as one unified voice,” said Pete Floyd, NAMI of Logan and Champaign Counties president.
Since 1990, when Congress officially established the first full week of October as MIAW, advocates have worked together to sponsor activities, large or small, to educate the public about mental illness.
One 1 in 5 U.S. adults experience mental illness each year, and one in 20 U.S. adults experience serious mental illness (SMI) each year. One in 6 U.S. youths aged 6-17 also experience a mental health disorder each year.
This year’s MIAW will center the theme “Together We Care. Together We Share.” This campaign speaks to the impact of NAMI’s support resources.
It conveys the power of coming together in community, which can be healing as people gather to share their experiences.
Through this campaign, advocates are spreading awareness of two of NAMI’s major support resources — NAMI Support Groups and the new NAMI Teen and Young Adult HelpLine. Visit the MIAW page for more information and resources at NAMI.org.