MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. — Participants gathered at Palmetto Islands County Park on Saturday for NAMIWalks Charleston, an annual event organized by the National Alliance on Mental Illness Charleston aimed at raising awareness and promoting mental health support. The walk brought together community members and organizations focused on reducing the stigma surrounding mental health and suicide.
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For Kim Leseman, the event is personally significant; she lost her son Alex to suicide in 2019. Leseman expressed gratitude for NAMI’s support during her grieving process, stating, "NAMI was here for me during that time. And the walks gave me purpose." She also mentioned the added challenge of isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing her efforts to connect people through walks in her neighborhood.
Local organizations participated to offer mental health and suicide-prevention resources. Ramona Gourdine, founder and executive director of the Justine Lamar Washington Legacy Foundation, highlighted the importance of collaboration, saying, "You have various organizations out here that you can connect with, partner with. We can all collaborate to break the stigma concerning mental health and suicide."
Lori Smith, Executive Director of NAMI Charleston, encouraged those struggling with mental health issues to seek help, emphasizing, "You're not alone. You can always call NAMI. You can always reach out to 988. It's free and confidential."
The event aims to raise $45,000, with donations accepted for up to 60 days afterward to support NAMI Charleston’s free services in the area. Anyone in a mental health crisis or worried about a loved one can call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.