Mental Health Media Campaign Hits the Streets

Early Saturday morning, April 21, more than 3,300 walkers took their dedication to the street for the annual National Alliance on Mental Illness Walk. The event helps reduce stigma toward mental illness by raising awareness, as well as raising money to fund mental illness advocacy, research, education, and support programs both locally and nationally.

Mayor Jerry Sanders, honorary Chair of the event, and HHSA's Behavioral Health Services Director Dr. Jennifer Schaffer both spoke to the walkers before the kickoff.

Schaffer then joined Alfredo Aguirre, Mental Health Services Director, and other BHS staff for the walk through the park. Team “It’s Up to Us” - named after the County’s successful mental health awareness campaign - boasted 62 walkers who raised $3,045. All the walkers combined to raise more than $150,000.