San Diego residents are invited to take part in the annual San Diego NAMI Walks and Mental Wellness Expo on April 27, 2024. The event, which has the theme “I am NAMIWALKS,” is organized by the National Alliance on Mental Illness in partnership with the County’s Health and Human Services Agency. This event serves as a kick-off for Mental Health Matters Month in May.
Local organizations are joining together to raise awareness about mental health, combat stigma associated with mental health topics, and provide support to one another. Dr. Luke Bergmann, Director of County Behavioral Health Services, emphasized the importance of taking care of emotional well-being every day and how the NAMIWalks provides an opportunity for communities to come together.
The day begins with a free community walk around Preble Field in NTC Park at Liberty Station at 8:15 a.m., followed by an opening ceremony. The 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, and veterans, along with hands-on activities designed to improve mental health. County-hosted booths include an affirmation potting station, stigma busting photo booth, Naloxone distribution, face painting, a children’s activity booth, and Tai-Chi demonstrations.
Registration for the NAMIWalks and Mental Wellness Expo can be done on the event website. If you or someone you know is facing a mental health challenge, you can reach out to the Access and Crisis Line at 1-888-724-7240 for assistance. Additional resources can be found on the County BHS Resources webpage and It’s Up to Us SD website which also lists other activities taking place during Mental Health Matters Month.[/