Stigma-Stomping Continues at 13th Annual NAMIWalks NH

One in 4. Each year, mental illness impacts the lives of one in 4 adults and one in 5 children across the United States. On Sunday, October 4, 2015, hundreds and hundreds of Walkers will lace up their sneakers and participate in the 13th Annual NAMIWalks NH. They will do their part to support neighbors, coworkers, family, friends, and themselves, while stomping out the stigma that prevents so many from getting help.

The 13th Annual NAMIWalks NH will raise both awareness and much-needed funds. Each day, NAMI NH, a statewide, grassroots nonprofit organization, works tirelessly to improve the quality of life of individuals affected by mental illness or emotional disorders through education, support and advocacy.

Those interested in joining together to stomp out the stigma around mental illness can register online by visiting www.namiwalks.org/newhampshire - there’s no registration fee or minimum fundraising amount.

Congressman Frank Guinta and Congresswoman Annie Kuster are dedicated to helping the 254,000 adults and 55,000 children in New Hampshire affected by mental illness each year. Earlier this year, Congressman Guinta and Congresswoman Kuster hosted a mental health summit to share co-sponsored legislation designed to improve care for those impacted by mental illness nationally, and to hear from local advocates.

NAMI New Hampshire (National Alliance on Mental Illness) is pleased Congressman Frank Guinta and Congresswoman Annie Kuster are the honorary co-chairs of the 13th Annual NAMIWalks NH event on Sunday, October 4, 2015.

“It’s long past time to remove the stigma around mental health and ensure that high quality care is offered in the Granite State and beyond,” said Congresswoman Annie Kuster. “I’m honored to be named a co-chair of NAMIWalks NH, which raises awareness about the need to change the way we think about, talk about, and address mental health. We must work together to improve the quality of care for individuals struggling with mental health issues and their families, and that’s why I’ll continue to push forward legislation to reform the system and ensure every Granite Stater and every American can access the services and treatment they need.”

“Improving and strengthening our mental health system is a cause both near and dear to my heart. As the primary caretaker of a family member coping with a mental illness, I know firsthand how our current system is failing those with these illnesses and also where there are opportunities to improve our system. The state of New Hampshire is lucky to have such a wonderful and effective organization like NAMI New Hampshire to join in the fight against the stigma associated with mental illness and advocate on behalf of those affected with mental illnesses. I look forward to continuing to work with NAMI New Hampshire and Congresswoman Kuster to fix this common-sense and urgent issue facing the Granite State,” said Congressman Frank Guinta.

“Mental illness and substance misuse affects thousands of families across New Hampshire,” according to NAMI NH Executive Director Ken Norton. “Both Congresswoman Kuster and Congressman Guinta have been leaders in trying to make a difference in the lives of so many Granite Staters impacted by mental health disorders. Their bi-partisan Mental Health Summit helped to highlight the fact that mental illness is not a partisan issue. All of us at NAMI NH applaud this level of leadership from our elected officials and are grateful for their work together on behalf of individuals and families living with mental illness.”

Funds raised from last year’s NAMIWalks NH event enabled NAMI New Hampshire to help more than 12,000 NH children, adults and their families affected by mental illness.

The 13th Annual NAMIWalks NH on Sunday, October 4 in Concord, NH is free, family-friendly, dog-friendly, and fun. Highlights include a dog costume contest, Zumba, puppet shows, bubble station, face painting, free grilled lunch, and more. The 5K route takes Walkers on a beautiful, historic downtown stroll, with a water station provided midway. Sign up today at www.namiwalks.org/newhampshire.

Learn more by visiting www.naminh.org, calling NAMI NH at 1-800-242-6264, or emailing walks@naminh.org.