By Christopher Florentz
On a brisk and windy Saturday on October 8th, members and friends of the Atlantic/Cape May (ACM) Affiliate of NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) New Jersey put on their sneakers and hit the walking trails in Albert Giampietro Memorial Park in Vineland, N.J.. The group, along with hundreds of others took part in the annual NAMIWalks Mental Health awareness and fundraising event.
Despite being one of the smallest affiliates of NAMI NJ, ACM was the top fundraiser in the state, surpassing its goal of $10,000 by more than $5,000. NAMI ACM President, Dr. Jeanmarie Mason thanked all those who contributed to this important awareness and fundraising event, including a special word of thanks to the ACM Boardwalkers’ corporate sponsors ACENDA, Atlanticare Behavorial Health, Parx Casino, Atlantic Medical Imaging, Esthetica Salon and Spa, Grungo Colarulo Law, and Copiers Plus.
Mason said the funds will be used to maintain ACM’s ongoing support programs for individuals with a mental health condition (Connection Support Group) and for their adult loved ones and friends (Family Support Group). NAMI ACM also supports signature NAMI programs such as Family to Family and multiple community outreach events. She noted the in-person Connection and Family Support Groups will be moving to a new location, Saint Joseph’s Catholic Church, 606 Shore Road, Somers Point for their future meetings starting November 14th.
ACM, which is a 501C3 non-profit organization, also holds a monthly virtual Family Support Group via Zoom. All programs are free of charge and have been shown to have positive impacts for families and loved ones who suffer with challenges.
It is estimated one in five Americans lives with a mental health condition. Moreover, statistics from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) further illustrate the tremendous need for these programs and for more and better mental health services. According to the CDC, suicides in the U.S. rose from 45,979 in 2020 to 47,646 in 2021.
“Those statistics,” Mason emphasized, “aren’t just numbers. Each represents a human life, which is why NAMI also advocates for public policies that will help those living with a mental health condition to live full, productive lives without the stigma associated with their condition. NAMIWalks is about people and about walking toward a future where our dream of mental health for all becomes a reality.”
For more information about NAMI ACM programs and to learn how you can make a difference by becoming a member, visit namiacm.org. If you or someone you know is in crisis, contact the new National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.
