Walking Towards Mental Wellness: San Diego’s NAMI Walks and Mental Wellness Expo Encourages Community Action

San Diego residents are encouraged to take part in the annual San Diego NAMI Walks and Mental Wellness Expo on Saturday, April 27, 2024. The event, organized by the National Alliance on Mental Illness in collaboration with the County’s Health and Human Services Agency, marks the start of Mental Health Matters Month celebrated every May. The theme for this year’s event is “I am NAMIWALKS.”

The day will begin with a community walk around Preble Field in NTC Park at Liberty Station, starting at 8:15 a.m. after opening remarks. A Mental Wellness Expo, open from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m., will feature over 100 exhibitor booths offering resources for families, children, military members, veterans, and interactive activities to promote mental health.

Dr. Luke Bergmann, Director of County Behavioral Health Services, emphasizes the importance of mental health and supporting one another during the NAMIWalks. “Mental health matters,” he says. “It’s time we break down stigmas and show that it’s okay to seek help.”

The County’s booths at the expo will include an affirmation potting station, stigma-busting photo booth, Naloxone distribution, face painting, a children’s activity booth, and Tai Chi demonstrations. For those interested in attending the NAMIWalks and Mental Wellness Expo, registration is available on the event website.

Individuals experiencing mental health challenges or seeking additional resources can contact the Access and Crisis Line at 1-888-724-7240. Additional information and resources are also accessible through the County BHS Resources webpage and the It’s Up to Us SD website which offers a calendar of events related to Mental Health Matters Month.

Community members are invited to join local organizations in raising awareness about mental health issues during this event while showing solidarity towards others who may be struggling with their own battles against mental illnesses.

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