NAMI walk raises $1000,00 to help those with mental illness

More than 600 people came with their dogs to NAMIWalks, a 5K walk sponsored by the National Alliance on Mental Illness-Cook County North Suburban (NAMI-CCNS). The walk was held Saturday Oct. 18., in Blue Star Memorial Woods, Glenview Woods and Harms Woods, in Glenview.

Mental illness adversely affects not only the individuals who have it, but also those that love and care for them and society itself. Although mental illness can be treated successfully, lack of knowledge about the illness and stigma keep almost half of those that are ill from receiving needed treatment.

The consequences of non-treatment are devastating. A third of the homeless and 16 percent of those in prison have a nontreated mental illness. Mental illness is the leading cause of lost economic output and costs more than $2.5 trillion worldwide each year.

NAMI-CCNS offers, at no charge, educational courses and support groups. Courses give participants the knowledge and skills needed to help them cope with a family member's illness and improve their own well-being.

For information about NAMIWalks and NAMI-CCNS' courses and support groups, contact Susan Ockerlund at (847) 716-2252 or

susanockerlund.namiccns@gmail.com.

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