Every year, the National Alliance on Mental Illness and its state and local affiliates come together through NAMIWalks to raise mental health awareness and funds to support resources in local communities. Due to the coronavirus, they have been presented with the unique challenge of connecting virtually and continuing the NAMIWalks tradition and sense of community. On Saturday, October 10, the local NAMI Brazos Valley will be participating in NAMIWalks Your Way: A National Day of Hope and needs support now more than ever.
Instead of walking a 5K together, participants will pick an activity of their choice and join virtually with all other NAMI Texas affiliates and hundreds of thousands of mental health advocates from across the country.
“Our hope is that despite the collective crisis we’re facing, NAMIWalks Your Way: A National Day of Hope will bring people together in spirit and support while still staying safe and practicing physical distancing,” says Daniel H. Gillison, Jr., CEO of NAMI. “Our communities need to come together to raise awareness and let people know they are not alone.”
Many participants still plan to walk, using their treadmill, going outside in the backyard, or at a local park — all while taking precautions to stay safe. Others plan to hula-hoop, host a Kick-A-Thon, practice yoga, or do another activity they enjoy.
During this pandemic, the walk slogan ‘Mental Health for All’ has never been more important due to the tremendous impact of COVID-19 and self-isolation on mental health.
To join NAMIWalks Your Way and get information about NAMIWalks Brazos Valley, visit www.namiwalks.org/brazosvalley. There is no registration fee, but fundraising is encouraged. Funds raised support free, local, community-based mental health programs and services provided by NAMI Brazos Valley.
