Hundreds show up Saturday to support Mental Health Awareness

FRESNO, Calif. (FOX26) — Over 500 people took a walk Saturday morning in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month.

The 19th annual National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Walk took place at Woodward Park.

According to the nonprofit organization, the walk is to raise awareness of and reduce the stigma surrounding mental health issues.

NAMI Fresno’s Acting Executive Director, Chris Roup says they strive to provide a safe place and let people know that they are not alone and that reaching out for help is important.

Our very own Justin Willis emceed the event along with dozens of booths representing all sorts of partnering programs available locally.

This event helped raise over $42,000, which will go toward mental health funding.