Before the pandemic, in any given year, one in five people in the U.S. reported having a mental health condition. Mental health experts suggest the figure is now two in five, or even higher.
Every year, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, known locally as NAMI Westchester, brings together hundreds of people to raise mental health awareness and funds through NAMIWalks Westchester. This year due to COVID-19, NAMI is continuing its virtual NAMIWalks event. Across the U.S., many local NAMI organizations are joining together on Saturday, May 22 to participate in AMIWalks
Your Way: A United Day of Hope.
Anyone can participate in NAMIWalks Your Way by registering for the event at vwww.namiwalks.org/Westchester and picking an activity of their choice, such as jumping rope, baking a cake, practicing yoga or walking, hiking or running with friends and family in the neighborhood—all while taking precautions to stay safe.
On Saturday, May 22:
9 a.m., Virtual Early Morning Yoga
9:30 a.m, NAMI Westchester will Stream a Morning Program; including stories and inspiration from our board, volunteers, teams and walkers!
10:30 a.m., Head out and do your NAMIWalks Your Way! Do It Your Way.
12-2 p.m., Pick Up Parade—Tailgate/Celebration party. At NAMI Westchester’s office, 100 Clearbrook Road in Elmsford.
Stop by NAMI Westchester:
•Pick up 2021 T-shirts
• Entertainment DJ/balloons/signage/Henna
•Snacks, materials and more.
You can drive through, cheer and honk your way through our stations! Or come on in and park, visit a table and stay safe with us, following COVID safety guidelines.
NAMIWalks Your Way Westchester will be joined by nearly 40 other NAMIWalks and hundreds of thousands of mental health supporters and advocates from across the country. Participants will share their activities on social media and follow NAMI Westchester’s program on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram that includes inspiring livestreams, mental health facts and local entertainment.
“It has been more than a year since the pandemic upended our lives with feelings of uncertainty, anxiety, and isolation,” according to Louise Ellis, NAMI Westchester Board Chairwoman. “We have all been impacted in some way. Even as we are isolated geographically, we can be united in our common goal of Mental Health for All and ensure no one in our community feels alone.”
To join NAMIWalks Your Way: A United Day of Hope, visit namiwalks.org/westchester. There is no registration fee, but fundraising is encouraged. One hundred percent of funds raised support NAMI Westchester’s free local mental health programs, resources and
services.
NAMIWalks is supported across the country by National Partners Alkermes, Humana and Takeda Lundbeck. NAMI Westchester is part
of the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness.
(Submitted)
