LOS ANGELES, April 27, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The National Alliance on Mental Illness Greater L.A. County (NAMI GLAC) invites you to be a part of the 20th annual NAMIWalks Greater LA County Mental Health Festival. This exciting event will take place on Saturday, May 4th at the beautiful LA Historic State Park from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Join us for a fulfilling day filled with activities, food trucks, and a 5K fundraising walk.
For two decades, NAMIWalks has been at the forefront of mental health advocacy in Los Angeles. It provides a platform for Angelenos who have personal experiences with mental illness, as well as their families, to come together and form a strong community. The purpose of the walk is to raise awareness, combat stigma, and generate funds to support NAMI GLAC’s valuable programs. These programs include peer-led classes, support groups, and informative presentations in schools throughout LA County.
This year’s event promises to be special with the presence of notable figures like Mayor Karen Bass and Congresswoman Grace Napolitano. Mayor Bass will deliver an inspiring speech to mark the occasion, while Congresswoman Napolitano will receive the prestigious Mental Health Champion Award for her extensive work in the field. She has made significant contributions, such as founding the Congressional Mental Health Caucus and establishing a revolutionary in-school mental health and suicide prevention program that has benefited students in 35 LA schools.
The festival will feature diverse performances, including a captivating original song by multiplatinum singer-songwriter Lauren Dyson. On stage, you’ll also have the opportunity to hear from Dr. Lisa Wong, Director of the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health, and NAMI Ambassador Brittany McGovern. Hosting the event will be accomplished journalists Sandra O’Neill from Telemundo 52 and Annabelle Sedano from NBC4 News.
Registration for NAMIWalks is open online at www.namiwalks.org/LACounty. We’re grateful to our generous sponsors, Johnson & Johnson and Media Sponsor NBC4 Telemundo 52, for their support in making this event possible.
Join us at NAMIWalks to be a part of an exciting and vibrant celebration of mental health. NAMI GLAC is dedicated to promoting wellness, recovery, equality, and dignity for individuals and families affected by mental illness. Let’s come together as a community and continue to advocate, educate, and support one another, as we strive for a world without mental health stigma. To learn more about NAMI and their free programs and services, visit namiglac.org.
SOURCE National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
The article discusses the upcoming 20th annual NAMIWalks Greater LA County Mental Health Festival, organized by the National Alliance on Mental Illness Greater L.A. County (NAMI GLAC). The purpose of the event is to raise awareness, combat stigma, and generate funds to support NAMI GLAC’s programs, which include peer-led classes, support groups, and informative presentations in schools throughout LA County.
A highlight of this year’s event is the presence of notable figures such as Mayor Karen Bass and Congresswoman Grace Napolitano. Mayor Bass will deliver an inspiring speech, while Congresswoman Napolitano will receive the Mental Health Champion Award for her extensive work in the field. Her contributions include founding the Congressional Mental Health Caucus and establishing an in-school mental health and suicide prevention program that has benefited students in 35 LA schools.
The festival will feature diverse performances, including an original song by multiplatinum singer-songwriter Lauren Dyson. Other speakers include Dr. Lisa Wong, Director of the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health, and NAMI Ambassador Brittany McGovern. The event will be hosted by journalists Sandra O’Neill from Telemundo 52 and Annabelle Sedano from NBC4 News.
Registration for NAMIWalks is open online at www.namiwalks.org/LACounty. The event is made possible by generous sponsors, Johnson & Johnson and Media Sponsor NBC4 Telemundo 52.
This event showcases the importance of mental health and the efforts being made to raise awareness and support individuals and families affected by mental illness. Participating in NAMIWalks provides an opportunity to be part of a vibrant celebration of mental health and to contribute to the ongoing advocacy, education, and support for a world without mental health stigma.
It is worth noting that there are several key challenges and controversies associated with the subject of mental health. One challenge is the ongoing need for increased funding and resources for mental health programs and services. Many individuals still face barriers in accessing quality mental health care, and there is a need for improved access and affordability.
Another challenge is the persistent stigma surrounding mental health. Despite efforts to combat stigma, there is still a long way to go in changing societal attitudes and perceptions towards mental illness. This stigma can lead to discrimination and hinder individuals from seeking help or receiving adequate support.
As for current market trends, there is a growing recognition of the importance of mental health in overall well-being. More individuals are seeking mental health services, and there is an increased demand for innovative approaches and technology in the mental health field. This includes the use of telemedicine and digital platforms to provide remote mental health support.
Forecasts indicate that the focus on mental health will continue to grow, with a greater emphasis on prevention, early intervention, and holistic approaches to mental wellness. There is also a push for improved integration of mental health services within primary care settings to ensure comprehensive care for individuals.
However, it is important to note that despite progress, there are still controversies surrounding certain aspects of mental health treatment, such as the use of psychiatric medications and the role of specific therapeutic interventions. These controversies highlight the ongoing need for research, open dialogue, and evidence-based approaches in the field of mental health.
For more information on NAMI and their programs and services, visit their website at namiglac.org.