The walk will increase awareness, present programming about suicide prevention and provide needed funds for NAMI Miami’s free services amidst the continued demand for mental health support in the community.
March 28, 2023 – In honor of Mental Health Awareness month in May, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Miami is hosting A Walk for Mental Health Awareness, on May 20 from 8 am – 11:30 am at Loan Depot Park, Home of the Miami Marlins. The event raises awareness and crucial funding for local mental health services and has sponsorship and walk team opportunities available for those interested in participating.
The walk is designed to combat the stigma of mental health, address the high incidence of suicide due to untreated mental health disorders and raise funds for NAMI Miami’s free programs such as support groups, peer mentoring programs, outreach and educational classes. Despite the many challenges of the last three years, NAMI Miami engaged more than 21,000 students, young adults, adults, families and local leaders with its prevention, education, mental wellness and support programs. These programs are always offered at no cost to participants, led by NAMI trained peer-leaders and remain confidential.
“NAMI Miami’s programs address the key barriers impeding half of our population from seeking help for treatable mental health conditions: stigma, lack of knowledge about when to seek help and uncertainty about where to seek help. Untreated mental illnesses can lead to disability and to self-harm and loss of life,” said Susan Racher, NAMI Miami Board Chair. “We inspire those who are unwell to seek help, and we support them and their families in their recovery journey. This work is life changing,” she said. “We can’t do this without such supportive partners for our Walk including the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, The Children’s Trust, Retreat Behavioral Health, Miami-Dade County Public Schools, and many more community partners, volunteers and friends.
According to the CDC, in 2020, an estimated 12.2 million American adults seriously thought about suicide, 3.2 million planned a suicide attempt, and 1.2 million attempted suicide. The psychological and financial effects of the past two years add urgency to NAMI’s outreach efforts. NAMI Miami-Dade’s free programs augment clinical and therapeutic care according to evidence informed standards.
Sponsorship benefits are available for this historic event and range from $1,000 to $20,000. Sponsors will have the opportunity to join other organizations, corporations, foundations and individuals on a national level while supporting the effort to increase awareness of mental health challenges. For more information, registration and/or donations, visit NAMIWalks.org/Miami; email Kate Edelson, Kate@NAMIMiami.org or call 305-665-2540 or cell 786-775-0667.
About the NAMI Miami-Dade County
NAMI Miami-Dade County is an affiliate of the nation’s largest peer-led mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of individuals affected by a mental health condition and their families. Approximately 1 in 5 people will experience a mental illness in a given year, and according to the CDC and Gallup, mental unwellness has created a suicide crisis in teens and a workplace crisis for employers NAMI Miami-Dade offers free, safe, and confidential mental health support, education, and advocacy for individuals and their families and friends in both English and Spanish. For more information, call 305-665-2540, or visit NAMIMiami.org and connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, and Meetup at @NAMIMiami.
