Oklahoma City among 75 cities hosting a walk to support the National Alliance for Mental Illness

National Alliance on Mental Illness' seventh annual 5K walk
8 a.m. Saturday
Stars and Stripes Park, near N. Portland Avenue and S. Lake Hefner Drive
Register by calling 230-1900
free

An Oklahoma group for mental health awareness is trying to change the world one step at time.

The National Alliance on Mental Illness will host its seventh annual 5K walk Saturday morning to raise awareness for mental illness. The walk takes place in more than 75 cities nationwide.

The national fundraiser supports programs that educate and treat mental illnesses, including depression and anxiety disorders. Groups will meet at 8 a.m. at Stars and Stripes Park, near N. Portland Avenue and S. Lake Hefner Drive to support their goal of creating a better life for Oklahomans who suffer brain disorders.

National NAMIWalks Team Leader Blair Young said by involving as many as possible, the walk creates empowerment in numbers.

"The goal of every volunteer, sponsor, walker and supporter is simple: to involve as many people as possible and to raise enough support so that NAMI can help as many Americans with mental illness as possible," she said.

The inaugural R. Murali Krishna Family "Eliminate the Stigma" Award will be presented before the start of the walk by Dr. Krishna, COO of Integris Mental Health and the honorary chair of this year's local walk. To participate in the walk, contact the NAMI Oklahoma development director Gail Israel at 230-1900. Registration is free. "Luke Atkinson

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