AGAWAM – On June 2, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Western Massachusetts hosted their annual Walkathon at Stanley Park in Westfield. The organization, based out of their location on 324A Springfield St. in Agawam, had a goal of making the Walkathon “a journey of hope and recovery.”

Mark H. Carney, communications coordinator for the National Alliance on Mental Illness Western Massachusetts, shared the background of the Walkathon.

“NAMI Western Massachusetts has been having an annual walkathon fundraiser since 2000. The walk is a fun event intended to raise awareness about mental illness, help stop the stigma as well as to raise funds for our mission. It is intended to be enjoyable as well as educational,” Carney said.

Individuals participating in the event received a free National Alliance on Mental Illness Western Massachusetts T-shirt upon registration. Raffle prizes were also offered with the largest raffle prize including a 32-inch high definition television, a tablet and two tickets to a Red Sox game. For the smaller raffle, items donated to National Alliance on Mental Illness Western Massachusetts were given away including gift baskets, gift cards and event tickets.

For fun activities, the National Alliance on Mental Illness Western Massachusetts offered face painting, balloons and games prior to the walk kickoff. A free lunch and refreshments were offered for participants at the end of the event.

Guests at the walk included Rich Tettemer of WWLP Channel 22, who served as the event’s Grand Marshal, Donna Bunn, chairwoman of the Walk Committee, Sheriff Nick Cocchi, State Representative Jose Tosado and NAMI Western Massachusetts President Bishop Neal A. Boyd.

Carney said he feels it is important that the community come together in support of the walk’s cause. “It is extremely important that the stigma accompanying mental illness be eliminated so that individuals who suffer from a mental health condition will not be reluctant to seek help. Most people stricken with a serious physical ailment do not hesitate to get treatment. The same should apply to mental illness as well,” Carney explained.

Carney continued, “Unfortunately, a mental health condition is not viewed with the same import as a physical illness by the insurance industry and to a lesser degree by the medical community. One of our priorities is parity in regards to treatment of mental health and we strive to educate the community to the difficulties faced by individuals and their loved ones affected by this illness.”

There was no cost to the public to participate in the Walkathon.

Carney said that he feels the Walkathon is a great event to participate in each year, and this year was no exception. “Stanley Park is a beautiful location to hold this type of event and it allows people to enjoy the outdoors and feel part of something greater than themselves. This is a gathering of people who are united in their support of each other, helping to ‘build better lives’ for all those affected by mental health conditions. A lot of people look forward to coming to our event each year, connecting with others in a positive atmosphere and enjoying a relaxing afternoon,” Carney said.

For those wishing to volunteer for the National Alliance on Mental Illness Western Massachusetts, Carney said there are several opportunities. “We always welcome volunteers both for our office and at our fundraising events, especially our Iris Project in the fall which is a month long weekends fundraising event held at various locations throughout the area. Participating in these special events is supporting in itself and helps to spread knowledge about mental illness and our cause,” Carney said.

Carney continued, “Of course, there are costs associated with holding these events, as well as running an office and purchasing supplies. We are a 501C3 non-profit organization, so donations made to NAMI Western Massachusetts are tax deductible.”

The National Alliance on Mental Illness Western Massachusetts is located at 324A Springfield St. in Agawam. Their office hours are Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. To contact the organization, please call 786-9139 or email information@namiwm.org. For more information about the National Alliance on Mental Illness Western Massachusetts, visit www.namiwm.org. If you are experiencing a crisis, please call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255, 24 hours a day.