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With close to 3,000 participants and over 200 teams, the Fifth Annual Walk for Mental Health Awareness hosted by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Miami-Dade on Saturday, May 10 at loanDepot Park raised awareness, provided support, and generated critical funds for NAMI Miami-Dade’s free mental health programs. The inspiring event marked the start of Mental Health Awareness Month and brought together individuals, families, community leaders, elected officials, and mental health advocates in a powerful show of support for those affected by mental illness.
“We are overwhelmed by the outpouring of support for Mental Health Awareness,” said Susan Holtzman, NAMI Miami-Dade County President & CEO. With nearly 3,000 people in attendance, and our fundraising goal of $415,000 almost surpassed, the community is sending a clear message that NAMI’s education, support, and advocacy for people living with mental illness and their loved ones is more important today than it has ever been!”
Mental illness impacts 1 in 5 people each year. In 2022, the CDC reported that 13.2 million U.S. adults seriously considered suicide. The growing psychological and financial pressures of recent years have intensified the need for mental health support, making NAMI Miami-Dade’s programs and outreach efforts more critical than ever.
“This marks the 5th annual Walk for Mental Health Awareness, and the momentum is building. Miami now hosts one of the largest mental health walks in the country, and it demonstrates that people see this is important and are willing to rally around it,” said Kate Edelson, Director of Fundraising and Special Events.
Public officials were also in attendance, including Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, Mayor of Miami-Dade County, and Commissioner for District 5, Eileen Higgins, who offered their support for NAMI Miami-Dade’s mission to improve mental wellness and expand access to care. In a historic show of leadership, the mayor also announced that Miami-Dade County became the first government in the nation to sign onto NAMI’s StigmaFree pledge, reinforcing the county’s commitment to ending stigma around mental illness and promoting a culture of support for mental health.
The Walk featured a community resource fair, music, wellness activations, and meaningful stories from individuals with lived experience. Fundraising efforts are still underway, with NAMI Miami-Dade already 99% of the way to reaching their goal. Donations can be made at NAMIWalks.org/Miami to help close the gap and support free mental health programs.
The event was made possible thanks to the support of numerous sponsors, volunteers, and community partners. A full list of sponsors is available at NAMIWalks.org/Miami.
About NAMI Miami-Dade
NAMI Miami-Dade County is an affiliate of the nation’s largest peer-led mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of individuals affected by a mental health condition and their families. NAMI Miami Dade has engaged more than 98,000 students, young adults, adults, and families with its awareness, prevention, education, and support programs. These programs are free, led by NAMI-trained leaders with lived experience, and remain confidential. For more information, call 305-665-2540 or visit NAMIMiami.org and connect with us on Facebook or Instagram at @NAMIMiami. To donate, visit NAMIMiami.org/get-involved/donate.
