What's Happening in Kirkland, WA…

An upcoming run will raise awareness of an important issue, while also raising money.

The upcoming NAMIWalks in Kirkland is one of many events held across the country in support of those with mental illness. The local event is a 5K that will be held in Kirkland’s Marine Park, located at 25 Lakeshore Plaza.

NAMI is the acronym for National Alliance on Mental Illness, and this walk is a fundraiser for NAMI-Washington State. Money raised at the event goes to support the 19 NAMI offices in the state. They provide services such as support groups, which are peer-led and include the NAMI Family Support Group, and NAMI Connection, for those with mental health issues.

NAMI also offers State Trainings for those members who would like to become program leaders. The training is free. The organization began as an informal group of families, and has grown into a system of over 500 local affiliates who work at the community level to increase awareness of mental health issues, and provide resources, education, and support that was not previously available.

NAMIWalks offer a chance for participants to meet others who share their concerns and want to support the organization’s work, while having fun and getting exercise in the process.

The walk is scheduled for Saturday, June 1, from 8.00 am until 11.00 am. When events like this are scheduled, organizers will often work with banner printing shops to create weather-resistant signage for the course.