This year, 2009, will mark the third year I've had the honor to volunteer to assist in the NAMI Walk sponsored by the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill Iowa Chapter. If you're unfamiliar with NAMI Iowa here's their mission from their website:

"NAMI IOWA is a non-profit, state-wide grass roots organization.  Our mission is to raise public awareness and concern about mental illness, to foster research, to improve treatment and to upgrade the system of care for the people of Iowa. We work to support our mission through education, advocacy and support."

Many people are affected by and struggle with mental illness on a daily basis. Just in the Des Moines area this year there have been at least four incidents where police have been called to apprehend a mentally ill person and the individual has been shot and killed or accidentally maimed or injured. But aside from the high profile cases, many with mental illness are unable to stay employed, care for themselves, or become productive members of society. It is estimated that one if four families contains a memebr who suffers from a serious mental illness.

You can find this years walk in Des Moines' Water Works park by taking Park Ave south to Valley Dr. and by entering the south exit appx. 1 mile off Park, across from the Racoon Valley soccer fields. You will then go left appx. 1 mile more. The way should be clearly marked.

This year's 2009 NAMI Walk IOWA is sponsored by The Des Moines Radio Group and Polk County. All donations benefit NAMI and NAMI Iowa. The walk begins Saturday, October 3rd, 2009 - 8:00 AM Registration Starts, 9:00 AM Opening Ceremony, 9:30 AM Walk Begins, Vendor booths open and activities continue until 11:00 AM.

You can register yourself or a team by clicking on this link,2009 NAMI Walk IOWA , or by just showing up! Last year the walk was able to raise $109,000 from just the Des Moines walk alone. If you have the time and are able we'd love to see you there on Saturday!