Still Time To Participate In Lake County NAMI's 'Strides For Awareness'

Anyone whose life has been impacted by the effects of mental illness gets a chance to help when the Lake County chapter of National Alliance on Mental Illness hosts its fourth annual Strides for Awareness this Saturday in Mentor.

The walk begins at . Registration will start at 9 a.m.

The walk will begin at 10 a.m. and continue along Mentor' scenic bike path in Civic Center Park.

The goal of the walk is two-fold, explained Carole Jazbec, executive director of NAMI Lake County.

First, it helps raise money to improve the lives of those affected by mental illness. Additionally, it aims to eradicate the common misperceptions surrounding mental illness diagnosis and treatment

There is no registration walk fee for participants, who are encouraged to collect donations from family members, friends, co-workers and business associates.

Proceeds from the walk will fund NAMI programs in Lake County, including support, education and advocacy for all affected with brain disorders such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder (manic depression), major depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder and severe anxiety disorders.

NAMI, founded in 1979, has affiliates in every state and in more than 1,100 local communities across the country dedicated to improving the quality of life for people affected. NAMI Lake County was founded in 1991.  

"NAMI members are volunteers whose mission is to provide help to people with serious mental and emotional illnesses and their families," Jazbec said. "The goals of the walk are to raise money to promote our mission and to increase public awareness of these illnesses so people can get the help they need when they need it."

People still have time to organize teams of walkers, made up of employees, organization members, relatives and friends. Walkers and teams raising funds will receive trophies and prizes such as a $250 merchandise gift certificate from Sheraton Furniture and pizza party from CiCi’s pizza.

Everyone attending the walk is eligible for free raffle prizes the day of the walk.

Anyone wishing to register for the walk, become a sponsor or donate can do so on-line at www.namilakecountyohio.org or contact the NAMI office at 440-639-1200 or cjazbec@namilake.org.

NAMI Lake County is supported by the Lake County Alcohol Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services Board (ADAMHS).