The Big Island affiliate of NAMI Hawaii will have its first annual 5K NAMIWalks event Saturday, Oct. 12, at Lili‘uokalani Gardens in Hilo during Mental Illness Awareness Week.
Check in and registration are at 8 a.m. and the walk begins at 9 a.m. at the pavilion next to the Japanese tea house.
This family event is free and open to all ages, and takes place rain or shine.
This mental health walk is a rewarding way to show support for breaking the stigma of those living with mental illness and provide critical funding toward improving the lives of those who face the day-to-day reality of living with a mental health condition.
Family members, friends, health professionals, businesses, residents and visitors are welcome to register for free at namiwalks.org/bigisland. Donations are greatly appreciated.
Hilo-native Carolyn Oki is 2019’s honorary chairperson.
NAMI Big Island is thrilled to honor Oki for her decades-long support for improved mental health services on the Big Island. These include advocating for the establishment of Hale Ho‘ola and the Behavioral Health Unit adjacent to Hilo Medical Center that cares for adults who require acute and chronic behavioral health care.
For more information, to register or donate, visit namiwalks.org/bigisland or contact Susan McGovern at 238-0074 or susan_mcgovern@hotmail.com.