NAMIWalks Chattanooga on October 4th at Coolidge Park
Mental health affects all of us.
Whether you live with a mental health condition, support a loved one, have experienced a mental health challenge yourself, or simply believe that everyone deserves access to help and understanding, NAMIWalks Chattanooga is an opportunity to come together and make a difference.
On Sunday, October 4th, hundreds of people will gather at Coolidge Park for a day built around one simple idea: we are stronger when we face mental health challenges together.
The event, presented by BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, features a one-mile walk along Chattanooga’s riverfront. The festivities begin at 12pm, with the walk getting underway at 2pm.
MORE THAN JUST A WALK
NAMIWalks is about much more than putting one foot in front of the other.
The event raises awareness, helps challenge the stigma surrounding mental illness, and raises critical funds that support NAMI Chattanooga’s work throughout the year.
NAMI Chattanooga provides free mental health support, education, resources and advocacy throughout the greater Chattanooga area. That includes peer and family support groups, educational programs and other resources designed to help people living with mental health conditions—and the families and loved ones supporting them.
The money raised through NAMIWalks helps make those services possible.
That means when you register, form a team, make a donation or simply show up on October 4th, you’re helping build a community where people don’t have to navigate mental health challenges alone.
BREAKING THE STIGMA
For far too long, mental health has been something people felt they had to keep quiet.
NAMI’s message is clear: stigma should never stand between someone and the help they need.
Coming together publicly for NAMIWalks helps change that conversation. It sends a message that mental health is health and that asking for help is not a sign of weakness.
It also reminds people that behind every statistic is a person: a friend, a parent, a child, a spouse, a coworker, a neighbor or maybe even ourselves.
NAMI describes its broader mission as creating communities where people affected by mental health conditions can experience hope, recovery, wellness and freedom from stigma.
YOU DON’T HAVE TO WALK ALONE
One of the most powerful things about NAMIWalks is that everyone has a reason to be there.
Participants can walk as individuals, bring their families and friends, form a team with coworkers, support someone they love, honor someone they’ve lost, or simply stand in solidarity with the millions of people affected by mental health conditions.
And you don’t have to be an avid walker to participate.
The Chattanooga route is approximately 1 mile, making it an accessible way for people of all ages and abilities to take part.
You can also make an impact without taking a single step. Donations and fundraising are an important part of NAMIWalks, and every contribution helps support NAMI’s local work.
WHY IT MATTERS IN CHATTANOOGA
NAMI Chattanooga serves Hamilton County and provides local resources for people living with mental health conditions as well as their families and caregivers.
The organization offers support groups designed around lived experience, including groups for people living with mental health conditions and groups for family members and loved ones. NAMI’s support groups are free, confidential and structured to make sure participants have an opportunity to be heard and supported.
That local connection is what makes NAMIWalks Chattanooga so important.
This isn’t simply money going toward a national cause. It’s an opportunity to strengthen mental health resources right here in the Chattanooga community.
BE A PAR T OF NAMIWALKS CHATTANOOGA
Whether you walk, donate, volunteer, fundraise or invite someone else to join you, you have a place at NAMIWalks Chattanooga.
Come for the walk.
Stay for the community.
And help send a message that no one should have to face a mental health challenge alone.
Together, we can break down barriers, create hope and build a Chattanooga where mental health support is accessible to everyone.
Register today by clicking HERE and take the first step!
Together, we are NAMIWalks.
