Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Walk The Walk

Nearly 60 million Americans have a diagnosable mental illness.  That is one in four adults and one in ten children, who are in need of counseling and or medication and stabilization.  Even in this informational age those numbers are hard for people to accept, and even harder to understand.

Communities are quick to reach out to families impacted by tragedy with offers of support, compassion, and kindness.  But what is the community response to the isolated teenager? Or the homeless guy who talks to himself? The typical response is to look away, and often to walk away.

Let's walk together instead. 

Mental illness can be treated. Families can receive support.  Communities can help.

 
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is our nation's largest grassroots organization dedicated to education, advocacy, and support for the mentally ill. Local NAMI affiliates "talk the talk"  through educational groups, advocacy, and family to family support.  If you go to one of these meetings, even once, it will change your perspective about mental illness.  There is hope, recovery, and true quality of life for families dealing with mental illness on a daily basis.  Find a meeting, you will be glad you did.
 
NAMI also helps communities "walk the walk." 2013 is the 11th anniversary of NAMIWalks which is a nationwide fundraising and awareness event. Last year NAMIWALKS raised almost $10 million to support local programs to improve the lives of persons impacted by mental illness. 
 
Take the first step today to reach out to the millions of families effected by mental illness.  Come join the walk!
 
We walk to celebrate recovery, raise awareness, memorialize loved ones, and fight the stigma of mental illness. I hope to see you there (Suki is coming too)!
 
NamiWalk 5K OKC: Saturday May 18, 2013
Stars and Stripes Park
3701 South Lake Hefner Drive
Registration: 8:00 am
 

10 comments:

  1. Are there NamiWalks across the country or only in OKC? Can't make it this weekend.

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    1. It looks like NAMI New Jersey is having a "virtual walk"- here is the link http://www.naminj.org/ Thanks so much for the question! I found it by going to the general NAMI site and then typed in the state abbreviation under "find your local NAMI." Hope this helps :)

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  2. I love the idea of walking together rather than walking away.

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    1. Thanks Brandi! It is a powerful day. I participated two years and met some amazing people. I will be sure to report back about the participation this year and the total funds raised.

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  3. So like you, Lisa, to support such a worthy cause.

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    1. This organization is filled with very dedicated volunteers, so inspiring. Always glad to pass on "good news" about community involvement!

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  4. It is indeed inspiring, Lisa - thanks for the inf.

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    1. You are welcome! I will take pics and am glad to do a follow up about NAMI.

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  5. Thanks for bringing this organization to our attention. I have family members who deal with mental illness and suffered from postpartum myself. I would gladly walk with you if I could, but I'll be there with you in spirit.

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    1. Thanks so much Jennifer! I appreciate your spirit walk so much :)

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