Free education classes and awareness events
Across Utah – In light of the death of Robin Williams, NAMI Utah understands the need to educate our community and raise awareness about mental health and suicide prevention. Many questions have risen from community members, including: Where can I go for help? How do I seek treatment? What resources exist for me and my family? How do I talk to someone who is expressing suicidal thoughts?
As 90% of those who die by suicide have a diagnosable mental illness, it is critical to open a dialogue about mental health. When individuals feel comfortable talking to someone about a mental health issue, and when they understand the need for support and treatment to their overall well-being, the more likely it is that they feel hopeful about their future.
NAMI Utah has free education classes and support groups that provide a safe space for people to learn more about their illness or what is happening to their loved one. To find out if there is a class or group in your area, call 801-323-9900 or toll-free 877-230-6262, or go to our website at www.namiut.org.
To help foster awareness and de-stigmatize mental illness, NAMI Utah will hold its annual NAMI Walk on Saturday, September 6th, at Liberty Park in Salt Lake City, Utah. Registration will begin at 8:30 a.m. and the official start time is 10:00 a.m. By speaking out about mental illness, we hope to involve as many people as possible and to raise support and funds that will allow us to increase our efforts throughout the state—especially in our rural, underserved areas where the wait time for families and individuals to get mental health care can sometimes be months.
NAMIWalks is a nationwide event and is the largest anti-stigma effort in Utah and America. It allows individuals with mental illness and their families to gather together with friends, loved ones and the community to raise public awareness about mental health.
How can you help? Companies, organizations, and families can organize teams of walkers made up of employees, organization members, relatives, and friends. Registration for NAMI Walks is free to all, but as a fundraiser for NAMI, we highly encourage your participation in requesting donations from family members, friends, co-workers, business associates, etc. The general public can also sponsor a walker. General donations are welcomed and more information can be obtained by visiting www.namiwalks.org/utah.
NAMI WALKS in Utah is sponsored in part by many national and local organizations. If you would like to participate, contact Mary Burchett at 801-323-9900 or at maryb@namiut.org Visit our website at www.namiut.org.
About NAMI
NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness. NAMI advocates for access to services, treatment, supports and research and is steadfast in its commitment to raising awareness and building a community of hope. Visit us online: www.namiut.org and www.facebook.com/namiut.
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