NAMIWalk for mental health awareness set in St. Helens
Published 5:00 am Thursday, May 7, 2026
In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month in May, Columbia Community Mental Health is bringing back its annual NAMIWalk event to encourage support, connection and hope.
From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, May 16, CCMH has partnered with the National Alliance on Mental Illness to raise awareness about mental health at The Jordan Center, located at 297 S. First St. in St. Helens.
“Our theme ‘Helping the Helpers’ focuses on recognizing and supporting the people who work closely within behavioral health,” a press release from CCMH stated.
The first hour of the event is geared toward those working in behavioral health, featuring breakfast, opportunities for connection and a community survey.
The event will open to the public at 10 a.m. with a slate of local leaders set to speak, concluding with remarks from mental health expert, author and comedian Tara Rolstad.
The NAMIWalk will begin at noon, with check in and day-of registration opening at 11 a.m. The walk is less than a mile long on a paved, Americans With Disabilities Act-accessible route.
St. Helens is one of six Oregon communities that will walk in support of mental health awareness that day. To join the CCMH walking team, visit namiwalks.org/teams/81454.
“This event is for everyone. Whether you walk, listen, connect or simply show up, you are part of this movement,” the release states. “Let’s come together to support mental health, uplift one another, and continue breaking the stigma.”