The San Bernardino Area chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) recently announced its annual NAMI Walk, an event designed to promote mental health awareness and support. This year’s walk, themed “Mental Health for All,” will take place on April 19, at West- wind Park in Ontario. The NAMI walk is the second time this event will be held in San Bernardino County and is a pre activity leading into the nation’s May Mental Health Awareness Month.
Kick-off meeting
For anyone interested in forming a team. And supporting mental health awareness.
• Date: Tuesday, March 3
• Time:6-8p.m.
• Location: Jessie Turner Community
Center, 15556 Summit Avenue, Fontana
• Other Details: Free dinner provided
along with an inspiring program with speakers, drawings and more
Walk event details
• Date: Sunday, April 19
• Time: Check-in begins at 8 a.m. Opening Ceremony 9 a.m. Walk starts at 10
a.m.
• Location: 2455 E Riverside Drive, Ontario
• Parking: Free at Westwind Park
• Theme: “Giving Our All for Mental Health for All”
• Other details: Costumes, team signs and themed attire welcome
Participants will enjoy an appx 1.2- mile loop walk around Westwind Park with local community leaders and advocates for mental health recovery. The event aims to inspire hope, make a meaningful impact, and drive change in how mental health is perceived and addressed in our San Bernardino County communities. Other activities at this stigma-free event include:
•Family friendly activities: Engage in activities, games and entertainment
Mental health service referrals: Access resources and referrals for mental health services from reputable providers.
• Community support: Connect with fellow community members, advocates, and mental health professionals.
• After walk baseball game: Attendees can join us across the street at the new Tower Buzzer Stadium for a game and awareness day for mental health.
“Our goal is to raise over $69,000 in donations and sponsorships to expand and continue providing life changing evidenced-based free programs for those challenged by mental health issues and their families,” said Lori J. Butler, new Executive Director of NAMI San Bernardino Area.
“San Bernardino is the largest geographic county in California, and this walk can be a catalyst for our movement and dream to see that no one in this huge area goes without mental health services and support,” Chapter President Wolfgang Hall said. “We invite everyone to join us in this important cause.”
Build a Team and Walk Together:
Participants are encouraged to build a team and walk together to maximize the impact and fun of the event. Building a team is a great way to show solidarity and support for mental health awareness. Here are a few steps to get started: 1. Form a team: Gather friends, family, colleagues, or community members who share your passion for mental health advocacy.
2. Register the team: Visit namisb.org and sign up as a team. Choose a team name that reflects your spirit and mission.
3. Recruit members: Spread the word through social media, emails, and personal invites to recruit more team members.
4. Fundraise together: Set a fundraising goal and encourage team members to seek donations from their networks. Every dollar raised supports NAMI San Bernardino Area’s programs and services.
5. Prepare for the walk: Coordinate with your team for matching outfits, banners, or signs to showcase your unity and enthusiasm on the day of the walk.
“Building a team amplifies the message of hope and solidarity,” said Jessica Madrid, Walk Manager for NAMI San Bernardino. “It’s a powerful way to engage more people in the cause and make a greater impact together.”
For more information about the 2026 NAMI Walk and to register, visit: namisb.org