NAMI San Diego's 2007 Annual Walk a Success, 2008 Walk Already Slated -- Get Ready Now
The 2007 San Diego County NAMI WALK raised $120,000 which will go towards increasing awareness about our country's need for a world-class treatment and recovery system for people with mental illnesses. The 2008 San Diego County NAMI WALK will be April 19 in Balboa Park. Donations are being accepted and walk teams are already being formed.
San Siego, CA (PRWEB) September 14, 2007
The date was April 21, 2007. The place, Balboa Park. A total of 1,200 people, committed to eradicating the stigma of mental illness, showed up with their walking shoes and hit the street for San Diego's National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Campaign for the Mind of America.
The walk was a success. It raised $120,000 and consisted of more than 60 walking teams. The money will go to increase awareness about our country's need for a world-class treatment and recovery system for people with mental illnesses. It will also go to fund local NAMI programs that help those with mental illness and their families and friends to understand this disease with compassion and hope.
To put it in perspective, more than 244,000 people are living with mental illness in San Diego alone. In the state of California, 600,000 children, adults and elderly are in need of mental health services that aren't readily available. In our nation, one in five people will suffer from a serious mental illness in their lifetime. Truly staggering statistics in a country flush with state-of-the-art medical treatment. Oftentimes, that treatment is just out of reach for those with mental illness for reasons of stigma, availability and insurance policies.
NAMI San Diego is looking forward, however. Looking to a future where all those who have mental illness can be readily treated and cared for both medically and by the attitudes of society as a whole. Part of that forward-looking stance includes getting ready for the next walk on April 19, in Balboa Park at 6th and Quince streets. Donations are being accepted and walk teams are already being formed.
Get involved early! For more information, go to www. namiwalksandiego. org or call (619) 584-5564
NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) is a non-profit organization that provides education, support services and advocacy to improve the lives of everyone affected by mental illnesses. Visit www. namisandiego. org or call 619-543-1434 or 1-800-523-5933.
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