Join NAMIWalks to Help End Mental Health Stigma in Iowa!

Content warning: This post contains information about mental health concerns and suicide. If you are experiencing a mental health challenge, help is available right now: Dial 988 or visit YourLifeIowa.org to be connected with a trained and supportive counselor, available 24/7.

You’ve probably heard the statistics:

One in four Iowans will experience a mental health condition this year. Suicide is the ninth-leading cause of death for all Iowans, and the second-leading cause of death for people ages 10-14 and 25-34 nationwide. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated these statistics. Mental health concerns span every age group, demographic and geographic location in Iowa. Almost all of us are personally impacted by mental health conditions in some way, whether we are navigating our own challenges or supporting a loved one.

Working to Support Mental Health of Iowans

Addressing the mental health crisis can feel daunting. But there are ways that you can make a difference. At NAMI Iowa, we work at both the personal and policy levels to ensure Iowans have access to support and quality mental healthcare and education. Our educational programming in schools, colleges and workplaces helps to erase stigmas around mental health so no one feels alone. Our 14 affiliates throughout the state offer support groups for people experiencing mental health challenges and for family members. And NAMI Iowa’s grassroots advocacy and legislative impact position us to ensure the voices of people with lived experience are heard.

Maybe mental health is personal to you. Maybe you have experienced a challenge with your mental health or you’ve supported a friend or family member through a mental crisis or illness. Maybe you want to make a difference at a systems-level: To make quality mental healthcare more accessible and equitable for all Iowans. Or maybe you love a good time outdoors with an amazing group of people. Whatever your connection, we invite you to join NAMI Iowa on Saturday, Sept. 24 for our annual NAMIWalks Your Way Iowa event. It takes place in person at Terra Park in Johnston — or you can “walk your way” and walk wherever is convenient for you. This is a fun and hope-filled morning in which hundreds of mental health advocates from all over the state gather together to show unity and support You can register as a team captain, an individual walker, or a donor at namiwalks.org/iowa. If you have questions or want to volunteer before or during the event, you can email me at amanda@namiiowa.org.

Join us on Sept. 24 for NAMIWalks Your Way Iowa 2022. You’ll leave refreshed, uplifted and empowered to be part of the change in Iowa!

NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) is the oldest and largest grassroots organization in the U.S. devoted to issues around mental health. It has chapters in all 50 states and more than 600 local affiliates. NAMI Iowa has 14 local affiliates providing education and support across the state. We provide help and hope for anyone experiencing mental illness and their loved ones. Visit our website at namiiowa.org, email info@namiiowa.org or call (515) 254-0417.

The Greater Des Moines Partnership calendar of events is a one-stop resource for activities taking place throughout the region. Find networking information for Greater Des Moines (DSM) businesses or events specific to Downtown DSM.

Whether you’re working from home or in the office, your wellness should be a top priority. Learn more about getting active and keeping tabs on your mental health here.