National Alliance on Mental Illness
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NAMIWalks Kicks-Off "Mental Health Month"; Fun Events That Support Serious Work

Arlington, Va.-- May is Mental Health Month. This weekend, Saturday and Sunday May 1-2, thousands of people in a dozen states will begin stepping forward in NAMIWalks to raise public awareness about facts concerning mental illness and the need for treatment and recovery.

NAMIWalks will take place elsewhere in the country throughout the month, as well as later in the year.

Sponsored by state and local affiliates of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), the Walks help raise funds for local programs, including free family education classes and supportgroups for individuals and families affected by serious mental illnesses.

In Greenville, South Carolina, WYFF-TV (Channel 4) reported today: "When local families can't get the help they need, many turn to NAMI." The station will lead its own team in the NAMI Greenville walk -- just one of 45 teams from the local community.

Said one local family member: "I can't imagine life without NAMI. I thank God for them. They changed our life."

"NAMIWalks are fun events that support serious work," said NAMI National Executive Director Mike Fitzpatrick. "NAMI's work is about hope and recovery. The challenge exists throughout the year."

According to the U.S. Surgeon General "mental health" and "mental illness" exist as "points on a continuum" of concerns. One in four adult Americans experiences mental health problems in any given year, while one in 17 lives with the most severe, chronic conditions.

About NAMI

NAMI is the National Alliance on Mental Illness, the nation's largest grassroots organization dedicated to improving the lives of individuals and families affected by mental illness. Founded in 1979, NAMI has affiliates in every state and in more than 1,100 local communities across the country. More information available: www.nami.org

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