Local Ambulance Company Shows Support for Upcoming NAMI Walk

American Medical Response (AMR), one of the most outstanding ambulance transport services in the county will walk Saturday, April 21 in Balboa Park to raise money and awareness about our country's need for a world-class treatment and recovery system for people with mental illnesses.

San Diego, CA (PRWeb) April 15, 2007 -- In 2007, thousands of concerned citizens in more than 60 communities across the nation will join the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Campaign for the Mind of America. They will walk together to raise money and awareness about our country's need for a world-class treatment and recovery system for people with mental illnesses. The NAMI San Diego 2/5K walk/run will be held on Saturday, April 21, 2007 in Balboa Park.

One of the walk supporters this year is local ambulance company, American Medical Response (AMR). Located in San Diego for 60 years, the company has grown to be one of the most outstanding ambulance transport services in the county.

According to Katie Keach, AMR Government Affairs manager, "AMR takes pride in providing great ambulance service and great civic partnerships with organizations such as NAMI San Diego."

In California, 600,000 children, adults and elderly are in need of mental health services. Here in San Diego County, more than 244,000 people are living with mental illness right now. AMR Operations Supervisor, Chad Henry, explained that on any given day, seven to nine percent of the patients they transport are mentally ill. Some of these calls come from a Psychiatric Emergency Response Team (PERT) member who works closely with the police department. When and if hospitalization is necessary, patients are generally transported to emergency rooms or psychiatric care facilities.

"We treat each patient with respect and give the utmost attention to their privacy, comfort and care during the entire transportation process," Henry said.

Nationally, one in five people will suffer from a serious mental illness in their lifetime and help is greatly needed. Your participation in the walk can assist the many who are in desperate need of diagnosis and care. NAMI San Diego is our city's own voice on mental illness. Your support of this organization shines a light on the stigma attached to mental illness -- a stigma that comes from fear due to lack of knowledge. NAMI San Diego is at the center of education, support and advocacy regarding these brain disorders.

Mark Saturday, April 21 at 8:00 a.m. on your calendar -- sign up for the NAMI San Diego Walk today. There will be music, entertainment, a health/resource fair and a chance to make a difference one step at a time. For more information, go to www.namiwalksandiego.org or call (619) 584-5564 today!

NAMI is a non-profit organization that provides education, support services and advocacy to improve the lives of everyone affected by mental illnesses. Visit www.namisandiego.org or call 619-543-1434 or 1-800-523-5933.

Contact:

Shannon Jaccard, M.B.A.

NAMI San Diego County Walk Manager

Phone: (619) 584-5564

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