The 5th annual Big Island NAMIWalks event will be held from 9 a.m. to 12 noon on Saturday, Oct. 14, at Lili‘uokalani Gardens. Pre-walk check-in and registration begins at 8 a.m. at the pavilion near the Japanese Teahouse.
This community event helps to raise awareness and funds for mental health support groups, education, classes, presentations, workshops and advocacy on Hawaii Island.
Mental Illness Awareness Week during the first week of October is a reminder that mental illness affects everyone directly or indirectly through family, friends and community members. In light of recent tragedies on Maui Island, this year’s walk is dedicated to the many families and friends who have suffered devastating losses on Maui.
“As NAMI (National Alliance of Mental Illness) families, we know how difficult it is to deal with loss, grief, stress, anxiety and overwhelming uncertainty. NAMI volunteers have been offering group and individual support for Maui families including peers and youth who have been displaced by the wildfires,” says Susan McGovern, this year’s NAMIWalks manager. “Everyone in our grassroots organization is a volunteer, promoting understanding, fighting discrimination and stigma, and increasing awareness about mental illness. Our slogan is: You are not alone.”
Attending the event will be recent graduates of the Big Island CIT (Crisis Intervention Training) Program from both Hilo and Kona. These veteran police officers have undergone an intense 40-hour training to respond to and assist individuals in crisis with support and services available within the Big Island community.
Participants are encouraged to form a team with family, friends, co-workers and clubs. Registered participants who raise $100 will get a free NAMIWalks T-shirt.
In addition to the walk, there will be music, lucky number prizes, snacks, water,and a special presentation of the NAMI Affiliate of the Year Award to the Big Island.
There is no fee to participate but registration is required. Register, or donate to NAMI Big Island until the end of December, at www.namiwalks.org/bigisland. Funds raised help support NAMI Hawaii’s free local mental health programs, resources, and services.