MOULTRIE, Ga. — Enthusiastic advocates gathered Thursday evening, June 22, at Blue Sky Grill in downtown Moultrie to kick off the 2017 NAMIWalks Southwest Georgia season. In keeping with the statewide theme “Making Waves for Mental Health,” the event was a festive beach party. Participants arrived in casual beach attire to hear a recap of the 2016 Walk as sponsors, team captains, and individual walkers were recognized.

On hand to receive sponsorship awards were Jay Desselle of Turning Point, Hugh Ward and Melody Royal of Colquitt Regional Medical Center, and Ben and Jenny Marion of Benmar, LLC. Team captains recognized included Shannon Bell, Amy Wolf, Carol Poole, Bonnie Seery, and Lynn Wilson. Wilson was recognized as a Star Walker.

Rev. Hugh Ward was introduced as the Honorary Walk Chair for 2017. His poignant personal story of overcoming obstacles and achieving a life of serving others inspired participants with a message of hope and recovery, according to a press release from the Moultrie chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness.  

Those attending enjoyed finger foods, “Island Time” beach ball games, and photo shoots while gaining information about the 2017 Walk and volunteering for committees. NAMI-Moultrie said the goal is to surpass last year’s record of 35 sponsors, 35 Walk teams, 332 registered Walkers, and $56,243 in total donations. The date for this year’s NAMIWalk SWGA is Saturday, Oct. 28. As before, it will be held on the Courthouse Square.

NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, is the nation’s largest grassroots organization devoted to education, support, and advocacy for individuals living with a mental health diagnosis and for their families, the press release said. All of NAMI’s programs are offered at no cost to participants because of annual NAMIWalks fundraising events across the nation. Three Walks are held in Georgia: Rome, Atlanta and Moultrie. Moultrie holds the distinction of being the smallest town in the nation to host a Walk, a point of pride for this community.

In evidence of the benefits of NAMIWalks funds, the Moultrie affiliate recently completed teaching one of NAMI’s signature courses, Family-to-Family. This 12-week course is designed to help families face the challenges of brain disorders and find support, resources, and coping strategies. Participants received the training and materials at no cost. Seven local family members were honored for completing the course at graduation ceremonies last week. In a long standing partnership, Turning Point provided meeting space.

Putting together a NAMIWalk is no simple task, NAMI-Moultrie said. Numerous volunteers are needed to make the Walk a success. At least ten different committees require volunteers, assuring most everyone will find a task that suits their interest and energy level. In addition to volunteering on a committee, the heart of NAMIWalk exists in those who register online to lead a team or join a team. The process is simple by following prompts on the link at www.namiwalks.org/southwestgeorgia.

Mental illness left untreated affects the quality of life for everyone in a community. NAMI Moultrie invites anyone interested in making a difference to register to walk or call to volunteer. For assistance registering or more information, contact Shannon Bell, Walk Manager, shann.mbell@gmail.com, or Lynn Wilson, lynnbw45@gmail.com.