The annual San Diego NAMI Walks and Mental Wellness Expo is taking place this Saturday, April 27, 2024. Organized by the National Alliance on Mental Illness in collaboration with the County’s Health and Human Services Agency, the event marks the beginning of Mental Health Matters Month celebrated every May. Community members are welcome to join local organizations in raising awareness about mental health, combating stigma associated with mental health issues, and showing solidarity to remind others they are not alone.
The theme for this year’s event is “I am NAMIWALKS.” Dr. Luke Bergmann, Director of County Behavioral Health Services, emphasizes the importance of mental health and supporting one another during the NAMIWalks. The day will commence with a community walk around Preble Field in NTC Park at Liberty Station starting at 8:15 a.m., after opening remarks. 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 interactive activities to promote mental health.
The County’s booths at the expo will include an affirmation potting station, stigma-busting photo booth, Naloxone distribution, face painting, a children’s activity booth, and Tai Chi demonstrations. For those interested in attending the NAMIWalks and Mental Wellness Expo, registration is available on the event website. Individuals experiencing mental health challenges or seeking additional resources can contact the Access and Crisis Line at 1-888-724-7240 or check out additional information and resources through the County BHS Resources webpage or It’s Up to Us SD website which offers a calendar of events related to Mental Health Matters Month.
Mental Health Matters Month is an opportunity for San Diegans to come together as a community to raise awareness about mental illnesses and their impact on individuals’ lives. The theme of this year’s event highlights that individuals who experience mental illnesses are not alone but part of a larger community working together to reduce stigma associated with mental health issues.
Dr. Luke Bergmann encourages everyone to participate in this event as it is an opportunity for everyone in our community to come together and support each other while promoting awareness about mental health issues.
Overall participating in this event can help break down barriers surrounding mental illnesses while also providing resources that can benefit individuals who may need them.
So let us all show our support for our fellow San Diegans who may be struggling with their mental well-being by joining forces on Saturday April 27th at Preble Field in NTC Park at Liberty Station for the annual San Diego NAMI Walks and Mental Wellness Expo!