Community walks to raise awareness

Organizations, advocates, elected officials, candidates and many others participated in a walk this past weekend to raise awareness of mental illness.

Rep. Wes Breckenridge, Sen. Jeff Edler and Jasper County Democratic Chair Michelle Smith were among those in attendance of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Walk that began Saturday morning at Agnes Patterson Park.

“Thank you to Capstone, and our bipartisan Iowa Political Leaders Team for raising awareness and funds in support of mental illness,” Breckenridge said in a Facebook post following the event.

Other elected leaders involved in the walk include Rep. Mark Smith, Rep. Jennifer Konfrst, Rep. Heather Matson and Rep. Chris Hall.

NAMI Walks celebrate Oct. 10 as a National Day of Hope. On YouTube, NAMI CEO Daniel H. Gillison Jr. thanked those who participated in the NAMI Walks Your Way virtual events held all over the country.

“This year I’ve been in awe in the strength you’ve all displayed, the community you’ve been and the impact you’ve made,” he said. “It takes a fighter’s spirit to go out and ask people for donations when funds are scarce and the need for mental health is only growing.

“As we close out this year’s walk and Mental Illness Awareness Week, I would like to remind you all of the importance of the work you do and how much it is appreciated. I always leave this event inspired and invigorated to achieve mental health for all.”