St. Paul supports NAMI Walk
Lace up your sneakers and join the St. Paul crew who walk each year to support programs and research for people who struggle with mental illness.
The 2015 NAMI Walk (NAMI stands for National Alliance for Mental Illness) is Saturday, Sept. 26, 10 a.m., at Ben Butterworth Parkway.
The St. Paul team is coordinated by Deb and Joe James.
St. Paul members Emily Fall and Joe Slaves, a daughter-father duo, are this year’s honorary co-chairs of the walk. The goal is to raise $100,000.
Emily was diagnosed with depression during her freshman year at the University of Iowa. She has advocated for those living with serious depression, and NAMI, through her Miss America pageant career. Her depression education platform focused on M.U.S.T. – Manage the disease, Understand the brain, know the Symptoms, and find Treatment early.
“Our family has significant experience with serious depression,” Joe said. “I’d like for families who live with mental illness to know that you are not alone. Answers and help are available here in our community.”
NAMI of the Greater Mississippi Valley is a local voice on mental illness, empowering people toward recovery. A local affiliate of NAMI, it is part of the largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to improving the lives of persons living with serious mental illness and their families.
The mission of NAMI is the eradication of mental illnesses and the improvement of the quality of life of all whose lives are affected by these diseases.
NAMI’s national website receives more 5.4 million visitors a year searching for information, referral, and education. NAMI’s toll-free HelpLine serves more than 4,000 callers a month. Public awareness activities help dispel the stigma surrounding mental illness and encourage early intervention and treatment.
Registration for the NAMI Walk is free for St. Paul team members; everyone gets a bright yellow T-shirt. Sign up online, or this coming Sunday, Sept. 20, at the table in the Elevator Commons.
Contact: Deb and Joe James, joedeb1984@gmail.com.
Susan Macksey
Can I still sign up for the Nami
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