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.
For the third year, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, known locally as NAMI Charleston Area, brings together hundreds of people to raise mental health awareness and funds through NAMIWalks Charleston. 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, October 9th to participate in NAMIWalks Your Way: A United Day of Hope.
NAMIWalks Your Way Charleston 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 Charleston's program on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, and Snapchat 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 Kelly Troyer. “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/charleston. There is no registration fee, but fundraising is encouraged. One hundred percent of funds raised support NAMI Charleston Area's free local mental health programs, resources, and services.
NAMI Charleston 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.
