The National Alliance on Mental Illness, or NAMI, of South Central Indiana will be hosting its annual NAMIWalks Sept. 14 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Donner Park Shelter. Anyone in the community is invited to participate and show support for those affected by mental illness.
Participants can choose to walk one mile around Donner Park, two miles through downtown Columbus or not walk and visit at the Donner Park Shelter. No fee is required to participate in the walk, though cash and check donations are welcome at the registration table. Check-ins open at 1:30 p.m.
The event will begin with an opening ceremony where speakers will discuss mental health and illness, and the walk will begin shortly thereafter. Music will be provided during the event by radio DJ Scott Michaels, and door prizes and refreshments will be available after the walk.
“We try to make it a fun activity for those who are present,” NAMI volunteer Mark Teike said. “I think we had around 150 people who were with us last year down in Jackson County and we’re hoping for at least that many, if not more, here in Columbus.”
Teike said the walk serves three purposes: to let those who are impacted by mental illness know they matter, to educate the community about NAMI’s services and to raise funds for NAMI. He hopes that people walk away from the walk with a better understanding of mental illness and that resources are available.
“… this is for everyone in the community who wants to come and be supportive of those whose lives are affected by mental illness,” Teike said. “So this is not just a gathering for those who have mental illness or for those whose loved ones do, but this is a gathering really for the entire community to come together to say that we’re with you. We know this is not easy and we want to do what we can to let you know that you’re valued and you’re cared for and we’re there for you.”
To register for the walk, visit namiwalks.org/southcentralin. To learn more about NAMI of South Central Indiana, visit namisouthcentralin.org.
