NAMI-Sussex to join statewide NAMIWalk

The National Alliance on Mental Illness of New Jersey (NAMI NJ) will host its annual Walk/Rally for Recovery on Saturday, May 11, on the Boardwalk at Seaside Park. The Rally begins at 10:30 a.m., with Walker check-in at 10.

The event allows individuals from all over the state, including those with mental illness, their families, friends, and the larger community, to gather to raise public awareness and support for mental health programs and services that provide the tools for recovery.

The walk also aims to eliminate the stigma too often associated with mental illness.

Teams from all over the state will be coming to Seaside Park to support awareness and celebrate their own recovery or the recovery of their loved ones. The Sussex County affiliate of NAMI New Jersey will be sending a team. Team NAMI-Sussex has been raising donations online at namiwalks.nami.org/Sussex2013.

"Our team hopes to reach or surpass our goal of raising $3,000 this year," said team captain and NAMI-Sussex president Jeri Doherty. "Over half the funds we raise will go directly toward NAMI-Sussex's all-volunteer efforts to help the people of Sussex County impacted by mental illness. The rest will be put toward state and nationwide programs provided by NAMI free of charge to individuals and families affected by mental illness."

The overall fundraising goal for the NAMI New Jersey Walk is $150,000, an amount achieved by last year's Walk.

Anyone interested in the cause of raising awareness about mental health and reducing stigma is welcome to attend. The rally will feature speakers such as Congressman Jon Runyon, Brigadier General Jim Grant, and leaders of the mental health community.