NAMI Broward County hosted its annual “NAMIWalks” event, presented by Cox Media Group, on Saturday, October 7th at Nova Southeastern University. Over 1,100 people attended the annual fundraising event, which was created to unite the community and promote mental health and wellness. 

NAMIWalks for Mental Health

The morning kicked off with a warm-up with Atha Yoga and the National Anthem was performed by Anastia Leyon, alongside the BSO/ROTC Honor Guard. Prior to the start of the walk, opening remarks were made by John Linn, NAMI Broward Board President; Karen Grosby, Dean of Nova Southeastern University’s College of Psychology; Gregory Tony, Broward County Sheriff; House Representative Christine Hunschofsky; Gayle Giese, Florida Mental Health Advocacy Coalition President; Jo Dee Nicosia, NAMI Florida Program Director; and Dr. Joe Oravecz led the countdown to get the walk started. Post-race refreshments were provided along with music and pop-up tents with vendors.  

All the funds raised from the event support NAMI Broward County in its goal to help hundreds of thousands of people living with mental illness and their families by providing support services to individuals living with a mental illness and reaching adolescents via its signature programs in middle and high schools. 

Sponsors of the event included: Cox Media Group, Memorial Outpatient Behavioral Health Services, Fiserv, Aids Healthcare Foundation, Northstar Financial Planners Inc., Sentara Health Plans, Moss Construction, Banyan Health System, Segal Trials, Health Channel, Zinnia Health, CHG Healthcare, Agape Behavioral Health, Trimble, Retreat Behavioral Health, ABA Centers of Florida, Chrysalis Health, Compassion Behavioral Health, FHE Health, Hollywood Complete Ketamine, Henderson Behavioral Health, Keiser University, Larkin Community Hospital, My Psychiatrist, Neuro Behavioral Hospitals, Recovery First, Ricardo Bichara, CPA, Rubenstein Law, Strong Mind, Sunshine Health, The Episcopal Church of St Mary Magdalene and St Martin, The Sands Treatment Center, Charlie Health, Seasons Psychotherapy Associates, South Florida Wellness Network, Carelon, Mental Health America of Southeast Florida, Fort Lauderdale Behavioral Center, Signature Gives Back, Pepsico, ENVE34, Atha Yoga Shala, and OutClique. 

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is a grassroots organization for individuals living with mental illness, especially serious mental illness, their family members, caregivers, and friends. NAMI Broward County is affiliated with NAMI Florida, Inc., an organization that includes more than 30 local affiliates and 2,000 members across the State.  NAMI Broward County’s mission is to improve the quality of life of individuals and their families affected by mental illness through education, support, and advocacy. Throughout Broward County, trained NAMI volunteers bring peer-led programs to a wide variety of community settings. Programs and support groups provide free education, skills training, and support for those living with or supporting a loved one with a mental illness. For more information, please visit www.namibroward.org.

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