SOUTHERN OREGON — Taking a walk can be a good way to get a temporary boost to one’s own personal mental health status. Participating in NAMIWalks goes a long way toward spreading awareness and making resources available for those who need them. NAMI Southern Oregon‘s James Ramirez joined Emily Storm on Sunrise this morning to talk about the benefits of NAMI and NAMIWalks.
NAMI stands for National Alliance on Mental Illness. As May is Mental Health Awareness Month, what better time to hold their biggest fundraiser of the year, NAMIWalks. Ramirez explains that everything NAMI offers is provided at no cost. This is made possible through community support from organizations like Kairos, Evergreen Bank, and Compass House, as well as fundraisers like this one. There will be balloons lining the walk route, and each participant will be linked by a belief in “Mental Health For All.” Ramirez says he hopes people take with them from this event the knowledge that they aren’t alone. Mental health struggles can be isolating for a variety of reasons. According to Ramirez, one in five Americans face mental health challenges, while in Oregon, that number is closer to one in four. NAMIWalks is a way for people to find community, resources, and a way to enact positive change.
NAMIWalks Southern Oregon happens Saturday, May 16, at Alba Park in Downtown Medford. Registration opens at 11:30 a.m., and the walk begins at 1:00 p.m.. For more information and to get registered, visit their website.
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