Gov. Maggie Hassan is scheduled to join volunteers, advocates, team captains, family members and inpiduals living with mental illness at the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) N.H. Kick Off Lunch for the 13th Annual NAMIWalks N.H. Community members are invited to join Gov. Hassan at the Kick Off Lunch on Thursday, Aug. 6 at Red River Theatres, 11 S. Main St., Concord.
“The Walk Kick Off Lunch is a great blend of fun, food and inspiration. It offers an opportunity to learn about hope and recovery and how you can help by participating in the Walk or starting your own team. We are very pleased that Gov. Hassan will be joining us on Aug. 6. During her tenure in office, Gov. Hassan has highlighted the need to focus on the whole person, recognizing that mental illness and substance abuse are not challenges that occur in isolation for many of us and our loved ones. She has been a true ally to inpiduals and families affected by mental illness and substance abuse.” said Ken Norton, Executive Director of NAMI N.H.
Admission is free to the Kaleidoscope of Hope-themed event, which includes a delicious lunch and dessert, engaging speakers, fun activities and inspirational messages. Each year Kick Off Lunch attendees range from longtime walk veterans to brand new volunteers. Some are drawn by professional roles, some by a desire to support friends or family affected by mental illness, and some by a willingness to share their personal struggles and triumphs in order to help others. All are welcome. RSVP to walks@naminh.org or call 225-5359.
The 13th Annual NAMIWalks N.H. on Sunday, Oct. 4, raises both awareness and much-needed funds. Each day, NAMI N.H., a statewide, grassroots nonprofit organization, works tirelessly to improve the quality of life of inpiduals affected by mental illness or emotional disorders through education, support and advocacy. There remains much work to be done, as approximately 254,000 adults and 55,000 children in N.H. will be affected by mental illness this year.
Community members interested in joining together to stomp out the stigma around mental illness, that prevents so many from accessing the help they need, are invited to attend the Kick Off Lunch on Thursday, Aug. 6, and the 13th Annual NAMIWalks N.H. event on Sunday, Oct. 4. Learn more by visiting naminh.org, calling NAMI N.H. at 1-800-242-6264, or emailing walks@naminh.org.
