National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) of Alabama will conduct the first statewide NAMIWalk on September 26, 2015, at the Wynton Blount Cultural Park in Montgomery. The purpose of the 5K fundraiser is to support the education, advocacy, and support programs of NAMI Alabama. NAMIWalks is a joint effort of NAMI, NAMI Alabama, and NAMI Alabama Affiliates. “Our promise is to build better lives for Alabamians affected by mental illness,” said executive director, Wanda Laird. We are pleased to have as our State Honorary Walk Chairperson, State Senator Cam Ward and Jane Nichols as our NAMI Alabama Board Walk Chairperson.

Every year, regardless of race, age, religion, or economic status, mental illness impacts the lives of  at least one in four adults and one in 10 children across the United States – that is nearly 60 million Americans. Mental illness drains our economy of more than $80 billion every year. One-fourth of all social security disability payments are for individuals with mental illness.

NAMI Alabama needs support from the public to make life better for those who suffer from mental illnesses such as major depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. People living with mental illness need help and hope; they need a community that supports them, their families, and their recovery.

NAMI is the largest grassroots mental health organization and is a life saver to many, offering help, hope, and information to the millions of people affected by mental illness. NAMI members and leaders are visible and formidable advocates, owning a well-earned reputation for taking on hard battles and winning them, ensuring a national commitment to research as well as access to services and treatment that promote recovery.

For sponsorship opportunities, please call 334-396-4797. Walk Manager, Hannah Weiss, will be happy to answer questions about sponsorships and the recruitment of teams. There is no registration fee for the Walk.  Registration begins at 8:00 a.m. and the Walk will begin at 9:00 a.m. on September 26. “We need teams to walk as we encourage individuals to find help, find hope…one step at a time,” said Jane Nichols.

Please visit www.namiwalks.com or www.namialabama.org to serve as a sponsor or join a team.