Virtual NAMI Walk 2020 raises mental health awareness in North Texas
Dr. Sushma Sharma and her son Vishi participated in the NAMI Walk over the weekend.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) North Texas hosted its annual walk on Saturday, May 30 to bring North Texans together for raising awareness and addressing mental health disparities in the community.
Themed “A National Day of Hope,” the NAMI walk was one of the largest community movements in North Texas which brings residents together from all walks of life. A total of 33 walks took place virtually across the country through live streaming and activities detailing mental health throughout the day.
According to Dr. Sushma Sharma, director of population health research at the DFW Hospital Council Foundation, NAMI North Texas is one of the most trusted partners of her organization. NAMI North Texas is also an active member of the DFWHC Foundation’s Behavioral Health Initiative and Mental Health First Aid committee-led 10,000 Lives program.
“NAMI’s awareness efforts successfully addressed the stigma of mental illness, breaking down barriers to treatment and recovery,” said Dr. Sharma. “NAMI’s signature education programs have served as a beacon of hope for hundreds of thousands of families and individuals in our community.”
Dr. Sharma and her family participated in the NAMI walk virtually.
“Don’t be mistaken, a virtual walk is a real walk,” Dr. Sharma said. “Participants were able to walk on their terms, choosing their own course, what time to start and who would walk with them.”
NAMI is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness. NAMI advocates for access to services, treatment, supports and research and is steadfast in its commitment to raise awareness and build a community for hope for all of those in need. NAMI’s support efforts expand to meet the challenges of a changing world by supporting virtual communities of help and hope to millions through NAMI.org and NAMI’s social media channels.
NAMI North Texas was incorporated as a nonprofit organization in Texas in 1982. It is a 501-c-3 tax-deductible charitable organization. NAMI North Texas is the local affiliate of NAMI National and NAMI Texas. For information, please visit https://www.naminorthtexas.org/nami-walks.html.