San Diegans are encouraged to participate in the annual San Diego NAMI Walks and Mental Wellness Expo taking place this Saturday, April 27, 2024. The theme for this year is “I am NAMIWALKS.” This free event is organized by the National Alliance on Mental Illness in collaboration with the County’s Health and Human Services Agency. It marks the beginning of Mental Health Matters Month observed every May.
During the event, community members will have the opportunity to join local organizations in raising awareness about mental health, addressing the stigma associated with mental health issues, and showing support for each other. Dr. Luke Bergmann, Director of County Behavioral Health Services, emphasized the importance of taking care of emotional well-being every day and expressed that the NAMIWalks provides an excellent platform for communities to gather and support one another.
The day begins with a community walk around Preble Field in NTC Park at Liberty Station. The walk commences at 8:15 a.m. following the opening remarks. Additionally, a Mental Wellness Expo will be open from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m., featuring over 100 exhibitor booths offering resources for families, children, military members, veterans, and engaging activities to enhance mental health.
Various County-hosted booths will include activities such as an affirmation potting station, stigma-busting photo booth, Naloxone distribution, face painting, children’s activity booth, and Tai-Chi demonstrations. To register for the NAMIWalks and Mental Wellness Expo, interested individuals can visit the event website. For those facing mental health challenges, the Access and Crisis Line can be contacted at 1-888-724-7240. Additional resources are available on the County BHS Resources webpage and the It’s Up to Us SD website, which also lists other activities taking place during Mental Health Matters Month.