Programs focused on continued support of educational programs and advocacy for mental illness in Broward County
BROWADA, Fla. - Nov. 3, 2016 - PRLog -- NAMI Broward County will be holding its annual awareness walk on November 12, 2016. The 5K Walk at Tradewinds Park, 3600 West Sample Road, Coconut Creek, is a celebration and support event for those who are affected by mental illness. Registration is free, and all donations will go to support ongoing NAMI programs in Broward County. NAMI Broward's Walk Ambassador Broward Sheriff Scott Israel and Chief Public Defender Howard Finkelstein will kick off the event at 9 am. In addition to the 5k there will be a live DJ, dancing, food, kid zone and pet parade for this fun, family event.
"The Walk has become a tradition for so many Broward residents living with a mental illness and their loved ones," says Sandra Cumper, Executive Director of NAMI Broward County. "It gives everyone the opportunity to show their support of NAMI Broward by raising much-needed funds and awareness. Proceeds from the event are channeled into NAMI Broward's mission to support, educate, and advocate until there is a cure for severe and persistent mental illness."
Approximately one in five adults suffers from a diagnosable mental disorder every year. In Broward County, this means about 450,000 people are living with a mental illness. So, either directly or indirectly, mental illness affects nearly every person in the workplace. Mental disorders are the leading cause of disability in the United States for people between the ages of 15 and 44 years, and it has been estimated that the financial cost of mental illness to our nation is $63 billion in lost productivity for those living with untreated mental illness and their family caregivers.
The goal of our Walk is to raise both money for and awareness of the need for Broward County to support a world-class treatment and recovery system for people with mental illness – 100% of the proceeds from the Walk will be used locally by NAMI in the following ways:
· To provide support to persons with serious brain disorders and to their families
· To educate families and consumers
· To advocate for improved opportunities for housing, rehabilitation, and meaningful jobs
· To support public education programs designed to help eliminate the pervasive stigma surrounding severe mental illness
To register as an individual walker, to form a team, and/or to find information regarding volunteer opportunities and sponsorship, please call 954-258-3990, or visit www.namiwalks.org/browardcounty.
About NAMI Broward
NAMI Broward, www.namibroward.org offers understanding to anyone concerned about mental illnesses and their treatment. Mental illnesses are brain disorders that are biologically-based medical problems. Untreated, they can cause severe disturbances in thinking, feeling, and relating. This results in the substantially diminished capacity for dealing with the ordinary demands of life. Mental illness can affect persons of any age and occurs in any family. NAMI Broward's mission is to bring awareness and programs to Broward County to support a world-class treatment and recovery system for people with mental illness and their families.
Contact
Edna Einhorn - edna@namibroward.org
Alyce Menton - pr@namibroward.org
***@namibroward.org
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NAMI Broward County Ramping Up for Its Annual Walk Supporting Efforts to Eliminate the Stigma Surrounding Mental Illness
November 03, 2016 at 14:41 PM EDT
