12th Annual NAMI Valley Walk By Rebecca Duke On Saturday, October 15, NAMI Valley of the Sun, an affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) will hold its...
12th Annual NAMI Valley Walk
By Rebecca Duke
On Saturday, October 15, NAMI Valley of the Sun, an affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) will hold its 12th Annual 5k Walk on the streets in front of the State Capitol Grounds. Registration begins at 8:00 am and the walk begins at 9:15— 17th Ave. and Jefferson is the starting point. In addition to people and pets (dogs are welcome to register and walk right along with their owners!) there will be exhibitors, entertainment, food and plenty of bottled water.
NAMI, is the nation’s largest grassroots organization dedicated to improving the lives of individuals and families affected by mental illness. Locally, NAMI Valley of the Sun enriches our community by raising awareness, tackling stigma, educating, and offering support groups.
Last year alone, NAMI Valley of the Sun touched the lives of close to 22,000 people in Maricopa County through a variety of presentations, public speaking events, community forums, educational classes and support groups.
Because of the time, talents and fund raising efforts of devoted volunteers and donations from the public and our community partners, all of NAMI’s programs were and are offered at no cost.
1 in 5
One in five people are affected by mental illness, be it the individual living with mental illness, or a close friend or family member. With a high rate of teen suicide, an increase in depression among the elderly, an ever growing homeless population, and our vets returning home, NAMI’s services and invaluable support and education to those who are suffering are vital.
The Walk is NAMI Valley of the Sun’s main fundraiser and it’s through generous donations from partners, sponsors, walkers, and individuals, that NAMI will continue to be able to offer these life changing programs at no cost. Every year, tens of thousands of concerned citizens in more than 84 communities across the nation will join NAMI and walk together to raise money and awareness about our country’s need for a treatment and recovery system for people living with mental illness.
To register, donate or volunteer visit www.namiwalks.org/valleywalk or email our Volunteer Walk Manager, Gloria, at [email protected]
If you’re unable to join the event, consider making a donation and spreading the word about the Valley Walk. Donations can be made online at www.namiwalks.org/valleywalk, or by mail… send a check or money order to: NAMI Valley Walk, 5025 E. Washington Street, Suite 112, Phoenix, AZ 85034. Please make checks payable to NAMI Valley Walk.
