Neighbor News
Mental Health Walk Set to Break Records at Creve Coeur Park on May 16
Local advocacy event aims for record-breaking $275,000 to fund free mental health resources across the St. Louis region.
ST. LOUIS, MO — As Mental Health Awareness Month kicks off this May, the St. Louis community is preparing for its largest advocacy event of the year. The 24th Annual NAMIWalks St. Louis is officially set for Saturday, May 16, 2026, at Creve Coeur Park’s Tremayne Shelter.
This year’s event is on pace to be historic. Organizers report that 2026 fundraising is currently outperforming the progress of the last four years, with a community goal set at $275,000. These funds are vital for sustaining the free programs that support individuals and families across a seven-jurisdiction service area, including St. Louis City and St. Louis County, St. Charles, Lincoln, Franklin, Warren, and Jefferson counties.
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"The energy this year is unlike anything we’ve seen recently," says Jen Galantowicz, 2026 NAMIWalks Co-Chair and Business Development Manager at TDK Technologies. "From billboards across the area, to a surge in team registrations, St. Louis is sending a clear message: mental health matters, and no one should have to navigate their journey alone."
Why It Matters
One in five U.S. adults experiences mental illness each year, but five in five are touched by it. The funds raised during NAMIWalks stay local, fueling the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) St. Louis and its mission to provide free support groups, educational programs, and advocacy for individuals and families.
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How to Get Involved
The walk is open to everyone—families, corporate teams, and furry friends alike.
- When: Saturday, May 16, 2026. Check-in begins at 8:30 AM; Walk starts at 10:00 AM.
- Where: Creve Coeur Park, 13725 Marine Ave, St. Louis, MO.
- Cost: Registration is free, though donations and/or fundraising is appreciated to support NAMI’s mission.
"The funds we raise provide free education and support groups right here in our own backyard," Galantowicz added. "This year’s momentum shows just how much our community cares. We aren't just walking for a cause; we’re walking to ensure that support is always just a phone call away."
To register to walk, volunteer, or donate, visit namistl.org/namiwalks/.