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Virtual 5K draws awareness for World Mental Health Day

Pittsburgh Tribune-Review - 10/10/2020

Oct. 10--Join the conversation

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Every year the National Alliance on Mental Illness' Keystone Pennsylvania chapter raises awareness about mental health issues and raises money to address them through its NAMIWalks 5K.

This year, the event will be virtual, with participants choosing their own activities, rather than the traditional 5K walk at Monroeville Community Park. Saturday marks the final day of Mental Health Awareness Week, and will include nearly 70 other NAMI events nationwide.

"One in five adults experience mental illness, but it touches five in five people either directly or indirectly," said NAMI Keystone PA CEO Christine Michaels. "Now more than ever, our communities need to come together to raise awareness and let people know they are not alone."

There is no registration fee to participate, but NAMI encourages donations to help with fundraising, which will support its free local mental health programs and services.

Michael Shaw of Gibsonia, who currently attends online classes at the University of Notre Dame, is one of NAMI's presenters in its "Ending the Silence" and "In Our Own Voice" programs, which seek to put a relatable face and story to the struggle with mental illness.

"Mental illness doesn't have to be the last word in your life," Shaw said during one of the NAMI's virtual programs. "You can be successful, you can accomplish your dreams despite having setbacks."

Michaels said the group has seen an increased demand for its services amid the coronavirus pandemic.

"Our walk slogan, 'Mental health for all' has never been truer," she said.

To join in today's events, see NAMIwalks.org/keystonePA.

Click here to see participants' activities via NAMI's social media.

Patrick Varine is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Patrick at 724-850-2862, pvarine@triblive.com or via Twitter .

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