About 50 people walked Butler County Community College’s campus on Saturday to raise awareness for mental illness.
The “Stand Up Against Stigma” walk is an annual event held in conjunction with Mental Health Month in May. It’s put on by the Butler County Chapter of the National Alliance for Mental Illness, or NAMI. Walkers were led by special guests Miss Butler County, Tiffany Seitz, Miss Moraine State, Paige Lumley, and Miss Glitter Petite, Adeline Hills.
NAMI is the largest grassroots mental health organization in the country, dedicated to providing support, education, advocacy and public awareness for all those affected by mental illness to help them build better and more productive lives.
NAMI Executive Director Kathy McDonnell said she was pleased with the result. “I’m thankful that so many folks came out despite the unpleasant weather,” she said in a statement.
The money raised by the walk from attendees and sponsors will help support programs and advocacy efforts in Butler County and beyond.
NAMI PA of Butler County sponsors a Family Support Group, The NAMI Connections support group, Peer-to-Peer Education classes and Family-to-Family classes as well.
The NAMI PA Butler County Office is located in the CCR Building, 212-214 South Main Street in Butler. Their phone number is 724-431-0069. You can also reach them through e-mail at namibutler@hotmail.com or www.namibutler.org.
