NAMI to host walk for mental health awareness in May

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month this May, the National Alliance on Mental Illness will host walk events around the country, bringing communities together and reminding people that they’re never alone.

Utah will be included in this nationwide effort, with a NAMIWalk scheduled for Saturday, May 17, at the Veterans Memorial Park in West Jordan. Registration will be at 9 a.m., with an opening ceremony at 10 a.m. and the walk beginning at 10:30 a.m.

Interested participants can join Utah’s NAMIWalk online. Although there is no registration fee, donations are encouraged to raise money for NAMI Utah’s mission.

NAMIWalks is one of the organization’s largest fundraising efforts, where money raised will help support its free educational programs, advocacy efforts, and outreach.

According to the United Health Foundation, a 2023 study found that 26.1% of Utahns have reported experiencing depression in Utah, which was higher than the national average of 22%.

NAMI Utah said it is expecting hundreds of participants, working to raise awareness and support loved ones.

“The NAMI Utah Walk is not only NAMI Utah’s most important fundraiser of the year, it is a community builder, a time to come together to recognize mental illness affects all of us, and we aren’t alone in our mental health journey — whether we battle our own mental health condition or we support a family member who is struggling,” said Robin Holcomb, interim executive director.