NAMI San Diegos Walk in Balboa Park Recognizing San Diego Residents Affected by Mental illnesses

The National Alliance for the Mentally Ill of San Diego (NAMI SD) is hosting the organizations nationally held Walk for Wellness, Strides for Mental Health on Saturday, April 17, 2004 in Balboa Park.

San Diego, CA - Mental Illness is a National crisis, affecting 1 in 4 families in the United States. With limited funding, San Diegos mental health programs dont even come close to serving its mentally ill population. On any given night, there are approximately 1,900 homeless mentally ill in San Diego County. These, essentially, 'ignored residents will be recognized in Balboa Park on April 17, 2004 at NAMI San Diegos Walk for Wellness -- Strides for Mental Health.

NAMI is a nonprofit, grassroots, self-help, support, education, and advocacy organization dedicated to improving the lives of all those affected by mental illnesses. As San Diegos voice on mental illness, NAMI SD provides education and support for families and persons affected by mental illnesses.

"Our community needs mental health support now more than ever. Our community needs to know where they can reach out for help and obtain resources. Many people in our community are affected by San Diego Countys diminishing Mental Health Services. Our walk is an opportunity for our entire community to walk together and reach out to families, friends, colleagues, fellow workers, agencies, businesses, and the community," said Bettie Reindheart, Executive Director of NAMI SD.

The walk will begin at 9 a.m. at the intersection of Quince and 6th Avenue in Balboa Park. Registration begins at eight. There is no fee and free refreshments provided by Henrys Marketplace, Coffee Ambassador, Penta Water and Ne-Mos.

Major sponsors like, Qualcomm, 24Hour Fitness, Henrys Marketplace, Penta Water, Carls Jr., Coffee Ambassador and TimelessNow.com are supporting this worthy cause. Resources will be provided by organizations like United Behavioral Health, California Association of Marriage and Family Therapy, County Mental Health, Mental Health Services, Paradise Valley Hospital and UCSDs Department of Psychiatry.

"There are a number of organizations in San Diego that provide support, information and resources to those affected by mental illnesses," said Karen Guneck, President of NAMI SD. "We want our community members to know were here for them, we encourage them to reach out and get educated".

Register yourself today! Visit NAMI SD at www.namisandiego.org and click on WALK.