NAMI Capital Region Organizes Annual Walk for Mental Health Awareness

For nine years, the NAMI walk has raised funds to support the organization's free mental health education and support programs. This year, participants have raised $20,855.

Attendee Steve Hippel shared a personal connection to the event, stating, "We lost our son, her brother, in May of this year. We found NAMI and decided to support NAMI and to bring awareness to mental health and that there’s help out there."

NAMI Capital Region Board President Tom Fryxell expressed hope that the walk reminds attendees of the community's support. He emphasized the importance of reaching out for help: "There is help for you, whether it’s through us or other organizations, and don’t just suffer in silence."

Stevie Hippel, a member of one of the 32 participating teams, noted the positive impact of community support. "It feels really good to have our friends and family here supporting us. It’s good to know we’re not alone, and that other people care. This event really shows that."

Fryxell reflected on his family’s challenges with mental health, having lost two younger brothers to suicide and supporting a son who lives with schizophrenia. He joined NAMI after struggling to find appropriate help for his son: "When he was diagnosed with schizophrenia, there was nobody you turned to. Some of the help we did get was awful."

Shari Hippel highlighted NAMI’s role as a support system not just for individuals with mental illness, but also for their families. "I wish we had found them sooner because it’s not just those with mental illness that need support, it’s their families and friends too. NAMI provides incredible support for the whole family."

NAMI Capital Region continues to offer free mental health support programs throughout the area.