The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Sarasota and Manatee Counties is hosting its 5th annual NAMI Walks event to raise awareness about mental health on Saturday, October 4, from 8AM-11AM at Payne Park in Sarasota. 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 mental health programs NAMI provides to the local community. Registration and donation information is available at NAMISarasotaManatee.org.
“Every year, one in five adults experiences a mental health challenge, either for themselves or a loved one,” said NAMI CEO Colleen 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.”
Since its founding in 2021, NAMI Walks 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.
This year’s walk is special because it also marks NAMI’s 40th anniversary serving Sarasota and Manatee Counties.
NAMI is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for millions of Americans living with mental health conditions. As a local affiliate, NAMI Sarasota and Manatee Counties provides free peer-led support programs, resources, education, and advocacy for youth, adults, families, and caregivers on their journey to mental wellness. Last year alone, the nonprofit welcomed nearly 8,000 visits at its two YANA (You Are Not Alone) Wellness Drop-In Centers, hosted more than 2,000 mentoring sessions for families, individuals, and youth, and assisted nearly 3,000 community members through support, education, and resource connections.
To learn more about NAMI Sarasota and Manatee Counties and this year’s NAMI Walks event, visit NamiSarasotaManatee.org.