Centennial residents came out and walked to raise awareness of mental health issues recently.
According to a May 20, 2015 news item, over 1,000 people gathered at Centennial Center Park on May 16 for the event. The walk raised over $152,000 for the National Alliance on Mental Health Illness (NAMI), which is working to get rid of the stigma often attached to mental illness and those who suffer from such disorders.
Elsa Erickson, who is the communications director for the walk, said that although the main goal of the walk was to raise awareness about mental illness and related issues, it was also designed to encourage people to support one another no matter what they're facing.
Several people spoke to the crowd before the walk began. They discussed their battles with the issues surrounding mental health, including remarks by some who had considered suicide. Their remarks were received with applause, cheers, and appreciation for their courage.
Volunteers from NAMI lined the route, which was 1.5 miles long. They distributed water to the walkers, as well as thanking them for coming out and showing their support for NAMI. The walk is the biggest fundraiser NAMI does during the year.
Event organizers could build on this year's success by working with a flyer printing company on a mailer to area residents, discussing the walk and asking them to save the date next year.
