NAMIWalks Minnesota’s ‘Mental Health for All’  to take place at Minnehaha Regional Park

Contributed article

NAMIWalks Minnesota’s “Mental Health for All,” a 5K Walk, resource fair, food, and music, is expected to attract thousands of people of all ages to Minnehaha Regional Park on Saturday, Sept. 28, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

NAMI Minnesota (the National Alliance on Mental Illness) has announced that NAMIWalks Minnesota registrations have surpassed last year’s records, with more people signing up than at this point in the year. People from all over the State are joining, including employees from many organizations supporting this event, such as Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota, Medica, UnitedHealthcare/Optum, and Zinpro Corporation, to raise awareness and fight discrimination.

“We are in the midst of a mental health crisis, and many people are experiencing loneliness,” explained Sue Abderholden, NAMI Minnesota executive director, “With thousands of people expected for NAMIWalks Minnesota this year people will know that they are not alone and will generate great hope as our community unites to advocate for mental health for all and make more resources available.”

“We encourage more people to join us at the walk. The walk supports our many no-cost programs to provide education, support, and advocacy to people living with mental illnesses and their families. The need for our programs have increased while our funding has decreased. We still have a long way to go to fully build our mental health system, for our society to end discrimination around mental illnesses” Abderholden wants to ensure that this year’s expected high participation also translates into funding. “Even $20 makes a big difference when so many people participate. And if you raise $100 you get a t-shirt! Please join our movement to create change by registering for the walk and donating. Join us on September 28th for a day filled with fun and hope.”

Free MetroTransit, Park, and Ride

Coming to NAMIWalks Minnesota by car or using public transit is planned to be easy since the organizers are taking all the measures to make the event as accessible as possible. Wakers and attendants can take MetroTransit to NAMIWalks for free between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. by contacting NAMI Minnesota to get a free pass. There will also be convenient free parking and free shuttle service from 10:30 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. from Dowling Elementary School (3900 W River Pkwy), Hiawatha Elementary School (4201 42nd Ave S), and Sanford Middle School: 3524 42nd Ave S.

“We want no surprises regarding accessibility. We have been doing this event successfully for years, and 2024, the biggest one so far, will not be the exception,” said LaRohnda Latimer, NAMI Minnesota Special Events Coordinator. “If you need any accommodation, please reach out to us. I mean it. I’m even hosting office hours myself on Zoom Wednesdays at noon to respond to any questions. Bring your kids; we will also have activities for them. I assure you they won’t get bored. And bring your dogs, too; we love them!”

To register for NAMIWalks Minnesota, which will be held on Saturday, Sept. 28, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Minnehaha Regional Park, go to namiwalks.org/minnesota. For questions, contact NAMI Minnesota at 651-645-2948 or email events@namimn.org.

Can you bring your dog to our upcoming NAMIWalks 5K at Minnehaha Regional Park on Saturday, Sept. 28? Yes!

Will there be activities for kids at our upcoming NAMIWalks? Of course! Bring them. They won’t get bored.

NAMIWalks participants like you don’t just walk the walk. You are the walk. We are all together for mental health!

About NAMI Minnesota

NAMI Minnesota is a non-profit organization working to improve the lives of children and adults with mental illnesses and their families through its education, support, and advocacy programs. For more information or to arrange an interview, please get in touch with Victor Molina, Marketing and Communications for NAMI Minnesota, at marcomm@namimn.org.