NAMIWalks For The Mind Of America, Saturday, May 17

HARTFORD — With 20 percent of the population experiencing some form of mental illness, the Connecticut Chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI-CT) is joining communities nationwide to host its fifth annual NAMIWalks for the Mind of America. The 5K (3.1 mile) walk will take place at Bushnell Park in Hartford on Saturday, May 17, rain or shine.  Registration begins at 9 am with the walk stepping off at 10 am.

Marilyn Ricci, former NAMI-CT president, is once again this year’s state walk chairperson. Joining her this year are Andrew Pergam, NBC 30 news reporter, and Corporate Chairperson Sheila Amdur, former NAMI-CT president and current NAMI national board member.

The event is slated to raise $150,000 that is used to fund NAMI-CT programming both at the state and local affiliate level, including support, education, research, and advocacy for individuals with mental illnesses and their family members. Organizers see the event as more than a fundraiser, however. 

According to Kate Mattias, NAMI-CT executive director, “Individuals, both consumers and family members alike, who organize teams and come to the walk, or who work to raise funds for an affiliate team, are the strongest messengers we have to address stigma associated with mental illness.  Their participation raises awareness that, like any other medical illness, mental illness does not discriminate in terms of who is affected by it and that many more people than ever before are recapturing their lives and are living in recovery with their illness.  And, if that’s not enough of a draw, the walk is also a great chance to meet new people, share stories, and engage in a healthy and fun activity.”

Walkers do not need to be members of NAMI-CT to participate. NAMI-CT encourages those interested in participating to get sponsorship from family members, friends, co-workers, and business associates who will support participation in the walk. 

All walkers raising $100 or more will receive a NAMIWalks event T-shirt.  Additional prizes will be awarded based on amounts raised up to $5,000 or more. Companies, organizations, and families are encouraged to form teams and take part in the walk. 

Those unable to join the walk on May 17 can still participate and become a “Web Walker.”  These virtual walkers can register an online team or join someone else’s team, create their own webpage, receive credit card contributions, and raise funds to support NAMI programs.

Step-by-step instructions are available online at www.nami.org/namiwalks.

Anyone interested in participating in NAMI Connecticut’s NAMIWalks for the Mind of America individually or as a team or in learning about corporate sponsorship opportunities can call the NAMI office at 860-882-0236 or register a team online.