Hometown Broadcasting Community Calendar

Mental health issues have taken on a larger profile; are there some examples or statistics on how NAMI is seeing that reflected?

Our phone calls for referrals, advice and requests for information have quadrupled during the pandemic. We know that there has been an increase in mental Health concerns. Fortunately, we have also seen an increase in mental health awareness. We hope this will reduce the stigma associated with mental illness.  

How did the group adjust for not being able to do the walk in 2020 and having to alter it in 2020? (Fundraising impact, alternative programming)

We had a virtual event in 2020 and we had an outside-only event last year. In 2020, we made less money, but were still able to get our organization’s mission before the public.  In 2021, people seemed so eager to be able to take part in our 5K. It went well, but, of course, it was more difficult to make the event happen.

This year, it is harder to get corporations to make donations or the companies are giving smaller donations. We are still seeking partners and sponsors.  There are many ways for organizations and companies to be involved with our 5K.

Are there other updates or adjustments you have had to make since last year, whether related to COVID or not?

Everything program we offered was changed by the Covid 19 pandemic.  Groups, training, and classes could be offered virtually, but they are not nearly as effective. 

Our fund-raising event will be bigger, better and more family friendly than ever.  We will have face-painting, balloon animals, mascots, informational booths, the Verve Photobooth, team pictures and an interesting program inside. After the 5K, on the lawn, participants will get free food from Jimmy Johns while listening to music from December Lotus Project.

Those interested in registering should go to RunSignUp.  Many people sign up as teams to honor someone living with a mental illness or to remember a person who died with one.