Arizona State Capitol Grounds

Press Release - 11th Annual NAMI Valley Walk, Phoenix, AZ by Rebecca Duke On Saturday, October 17, 2015 NAMI Valley of the Sun, an affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) will conduct its 11th Annual 5k Walk on the streets in front of the State Capitol Grounds. Registration begins at 8:30am and the walk commences at 9:30am with the starting point at 17th Ave. and Jefferson in Phoenix. In addition to people and pets (dogs are welcome to register and walk right along with their owners!) there will be exhibitors, entertainment and plenty of bottled water. The National Alliance on Mental Illness, or NAMI, is the nation's largest grassroots organization dedicated to improving the lives of individuals and families affected by mental illness. Locally, NAMI Valley of the Sun enriches our community by offering hope, raising awareness, dispelling stigma, educating, and by offering support groups for families of those living with mental illness, and, for people who live with mental illness. Last year alone, NAMI Valley of the Sun touched the lives of over 19,000 people in and around the Valley through a variety of presentations, public speaking events, community forums, educational classes and support groups. Because of the time, talents and fund raising efforts of devoted volunteers and donations from the public and our community partners, all of NAMI's programs were and are offered free of charge. One in five people are affected by mental illness, be it the individual living with mental illness, or a close friend or family member. At this time, with a high rate of teen suicide, an increase in depression among the elderly, an ever growing homeless population, and our vets returning home, NAMI's services and invaluable support and education to those who are suffering are vital. The 5k Walk is NAMI Valley of the Sun's main fundraiser and it's through generous donations from partners, sponsors, walkers, and individuals, that NAMI Valley of the Sun will continue to be able to offer these life changing programs at no cost. Every year, tens of thousands of concerned citizens in more than 84 communities across the nation will join NAMI and walk together to raise money and awareness about our country's need for a treatment and recovery system for people living with mental illness. Please join in and walk for yourself, a friend or family member. Register for the NAMI Valley Walk online at www.namiwalks.org/valleywalk If you would like to volunteer for the walk, please email our Volunteer Walk Manager, Gloria, at [email protected] If you are unable to join the walk, please consider making a donation and spreading the word about the walk. Donations can be made online at www.namiwalks.org/valleywalk, or by mailing your donation to: NAMI Valley Walk, 5025 E. Washington Street, Suite 112, Phoenix, AZ 85034, checks payable to NAMI Valley Walk.