The annual San Diego NAMI Walks and Mental Wellness Expo is happening this Saturday, April 27, 2024. The event, with the theme “I am NAMIWALKS,” is organized by the National Alliance on Mental Illness in partnership with the County’s Health and Human Services Agency to kick off Mental Health Matters Month in May. Community members are encouraged to join local organizations in raising awareness about mental health, combating the stigma associated with mental health topics, and showing support for one another.
Dr. Luke Bergmann, Director of County Behavioral Health Services, emphasized the importance of taking care of emotional well-being every day and the opportunity the NAMIWalks provides for communities to come together. The day begins with a free community walk around Preble Field in NTC Park at Liberty Station at 8:15 a.m., followed by a Mental Wellness Expo open from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m., featuring over 100 exhibitor booths offering resources for families, children, military members, and veterans along with hands-on activities to improve mental health.
County-hosted booths include an affirmation potting station, stigma busting photo booth, Naloxone distribution, face painting, a children’s activity booth and Tai-Chi demonstrations. Those interested can register for the NAMIWalks and Mental Wellness Expo on the event website. If you or someone you know is facing a mental health challenge, the Access and Crisis Line at 1-888-724-7240 is available for assistance. Additional resources can be found on the County BHS Resources webpage and It’s Up to Us SD website which also lists other activities taking place during Mental Health Matters Month.
The event aims to provide an opportunity for individuals living with mental illnesses as well as their families and loved ones to connect with others who understand their struggles and learn more about resources available in their community.
“This year’s theme ‘I am NAMIWALKS’ emphasizes that we are all connected by our experiences with mental illness,” said Dr Bergmann.
“We invite everyone in our community to join us in this important conversation about mental health.”