First mental illness walk in state set for Sunday
Mount Holly selected as pilot site by nonprofit group NAMI NJ
By jennifer kohlhepp
Staff Writer

They’ve talked the talk for 18 years, and now they, and others, will walk the walk.

As New Jersey’s voice on mental illness for the past 18 years, the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill of New Jersey (NAMI NJ) provides education and support for families and persons affected by mental illness.

Now, NAMI NJ will sponsor the regional leg of the organization’s first nationally held walk-a-thon for mental illness on Sunday in Mount Holly.

"This is an opportunity for the entire mental health community of New Jersey to walk together, to reach out to families, friends, colleagues, fellow workers, agencies, businesses, and the community," said Sylvia Axelrod, director of NAMI NJ.

Located at 1562 Route 130, in North Brunswick, NAMI NJ is the state affiliate of a national organization with headquarters in Arlington, Va. Founded in 1979, NAMI is a nonprofit, grassroots, self-help, support, education, and advocacy organization dedicated to improving the lives of all those affected by various mental illnesses such as schizophrenia, major depression, bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and anxiety disorders, according to information on the group’s Internet site.

"The Burlington County walk is one of the 12 pilot sites chosen throughout the United States to pioneer this walk-a-thon, NAMI NJ spokeswoman Sue Richter said. "We expect over 2,000 people to walk on May 18 from this site."

Participants may include individuals, families, agencies, churches, organizations, civic groups and honorary chairs state Sen. Diane Allen (R-7th District) and U.S. Rep. Rush Holt (D-12th District), according to Richter.

The walk will begin at 1 p.m. at the Burlington County Human Services Building on Woodlane Road. Registration begins at noon.

According to Richter, participants do not have to preregister for the walk and can register at the site on the day of the event. There are no requirements or fees.

"The message we hope to convey with the walk-a-thon is simply that NAMI provides free services to those affected by mental illness," Richter said. "New Jersey was selected as a site to host the walk because people don’t know we are around or about the services that we provide," Richter said.

In the state there are approximately 1.7 million people of every age, race, religion and income level diagnosed with mental illness, according to Richter. One out of every four families and one out of every five individuals experience some sort of mental illness.

"We’re trying to improve the lives of persons affected by mental illness as well as reduce the stigmas involved with mental illness," Richter said.

Because of the stereotypes associated with people who suffer from mental illness, discrimination for suitable housing and jobs, unsatisfactory medical care, and emotional anguish to individuals and families trying to rebuild their lives can occur, according to Richter.

"The NAMI walk is just one way NAMI shows support and provides encouragement for all those who struggle to recover from mental illness," Richter said.

Every Thursday of the month from 7 to 9 p.m., NAMI holds a free course titled "Coping and Support" at 316 Livingston Ave. in New Brunswick.

The course provides information regarding pharmaceutical companies and the medicines available to help those with mental illness. Richter also said the course provides participants with referrals and information regarding legislation and other nonprofit organizations that help people with mental illness.

Beginning in September, NAMI NJ will also hold a free 12-week course that will meet every Monday of the month in the Behavioral Health Center of UMDNJ, 671 Hoes Lane in Piscataway.

Affiliate self-help and grassroots advocacy groups located in each county offer emotional support, information and advice about treatment and community resources, according to Richter.

NAMI is funded through private donations and corporate grants, with some state aid, Richter said.

For more information about NAMI NJ or NAMIWALKS, call (732) 940-0991 or visit the Web site at www.naminj.org.