It’s a new day for mental health in America as more people are speaking openly about their conditions, and the need for mental health services is on the rise.
It’s also a new day for NAMIWalks Your Way Greater Mississippi Valley, which will step off Saturday, Sept. 17 in Bettendorf. The event serves as the annual fundraising and awareness event for the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), known locally as NAMI Greater Mississippi Valley.
Every year, NAMIWalks Your Way raises funds for NAMI’s free, top-rated programs as it amplifies awareness to eliminate stigma and strengthens the ever-growing mental health community.
“This year promises to be a banner year for the hundreds who turn out to help us move closer to our goal of Mental Health for All,” said NAMI Greater Mississippi Valley Executive Director Angela Gallagher.
An average of 1,000 participants join the annual walk, which is the Quad Cities’ largest annual mental health awareness and advocacy event.
This year’s event begins at 8 a.m. with pre-walk activities and the walk step-off at 9:30 a.m. NAMIWalks will be at Veterans Memorial Park at 1645 23rd St.
To join NAMIWalks Your Way, visit www.namiwalks.org/greatermississippivalley. There is no registration fee, but fundraising is encouraged. Participants raising at least $100 receive an event T-shirt.
Organizers said 100% funds raised support NAMI Greater Mississippi Valley’s free local mental health programs, resources and services. This is a family-friendly event with kids, music, clowns and dogs.
This year’s major sponsors are: KWQC-TV (Presenting); Double Good Virtual Fundraising (Premier); iHeartMedia (Platinum); Eagle View Behavioral Health (Gold); Genesis Health System (Gold); GreenState Credit Union (Gold); Necker’s Jewelers (Gold); Sears Seating (Gold); UnitedHealthcare (Gold); UnityPoint Health – Trinity (Gold); and UnityPoint Health – Robert Young Center (Gold).
NAMI Greater Mississippi Valley is part of the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness. NAMIWalks Your Way is a national mental health event series with walks taking place in more than 120 locations.
The Peer-to-Peer Professional Forum awarded NAMI the Peer-to-Peer Fundraising Organization of the Year award in 2022. For local information, visit www.namigmv.org.
