Pictured: Each year, nearly 500 participants take part in NAMI Walks to support mental health awareness in our local community. This year’s walk takes place on October 4th at Payne Park in Sarasota. Provided photo.

On Saturday, October 4, take a walk to support the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and their mission to improve the lives of individuals, families and caregivers on their journey to mental wellness. The family-friendly event is free and open to the public, but individuals and organizations are encouraged to register in advance and form teams to support the free mental health programs NAMI provides to the local community.

NAMI is an organization of families, friends and individuals whose lives have been affected by mental illness. Colleen Thayer serves as the Executive Director of the Sarasota and Manatee County affiliate, which is one of 24 Florida affiliates and more than 600 across the country. “We are not clinical or treatment providers,” Thayer explains. “We offer individuals living with any kind of mental health condition support programs and we do the same thing for families and caregivers.”

There are NAMIWalks all over the country supporting mental health for all. The October 4 NAMIWalk is NAMI of Sarasota and Manatee Counties’ main and only external fundraiser and awareness event for the year. This year’s walk is also special because it marks NAMI’s 40th anniversary serving Sarasota and Manatee Counties.

Since its founding in 2021, NAMIWalks Sarasota and Manatee has drawn hundreds of walkers each year to celebrate mental health for all. In addition to the walk itself, the event features music by DJ Bustin Justin, group jazzercise in the park by Jazzercise Lakewood Ranch, exhibits by local mental and medical healthcare providers and other community nonprofits, food trucks, an online auction and plenty of other fun activities.

“Every year, one in five adults experiences a mental health challenge, either for themselves or a loved one,” says Thayer. “When they do, NAMI Sarasota and Manatee Counties is there to help by providing free peer-led support groups, education and resources. Our walk is a way for the community to come together as one and break the silence and stigma that too often surround mental illness.”

To fuel mental health awareness, raise funds for NAMI's mission and let people know they are not alone, sign up for the NAMIWalk and join a caring community giving their time, their stories and their heartfelt dedication to the cause: Mental Health for All.

NAMI Sarasota and Manatee Counties, 1226 N. Tamiami Trail, Suite 202, Sarasota. To learn more, contact Jessica Polk, 941-320-9604, jessica@namisarasotamanatee.org. 

Pictured: Each year, nearly 500 participants take part in NAMI Walks to support mental health awareness in our local community. This year’s walk takes place on October 4th at Payne Park in Sarasota. Provided photo.

To register click here