{"id":243903,"date":"2026-04-23T22:38:09","date_gmt":"2026-04-23T22:38:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/243903\/"},"modified":"2026-04-23T22:38:09","modified_gmt":"2026-04-23T22:38:09","slug":"nami-miami-dade-county-to-host-sixth-annual-walk-for-mental-health-awareness-at-loandepot-park-on-saturday-may-16","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/243903\/","title":{"rendered":"NAMI MIAMI-DADE COUNTY TO HOST SIXTH ANNUAL WALK FOR MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS AT LOANDEPOT PARK ON SATURDAY, MAY 16"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Thousands Expected to Gather for One of the Nation\u2019s Largest Mental Health Walks as the Need for Support Continues to Rise, Now Affecting 1 in 4 Individuals<\/p>\n

As the need for mental health support continues to rise, NAMI Miami Dade County <\/a>(the local affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness) will host its Sixth Annual Walk\u00a0 for Mental Health Awareness <\/a>on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at 8:00 AM at loanDepot Park. Held in\u00a0 recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, the annual community event brings together thousands to\u00a0 raise awareness, provide support, and generate critical funds for NAMI Miami-Dade\u2019s free mental health\u00a0 programs.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Considered one of the largest mental health walks in the country, the event is expected to draw\u00a0 approximately 3,000 participants, bringing together individuals, families, advocates, and community\u00a0 leaders in a powerful show of unity, support, and hope. The annual 5K walk continues to grow in impact\u00a0 and visibility, with last year\u2019s event surpassing participation in major markets like Los Angeles \u2013\u00a0<\/p>\n

underscoring Miami-Dade County\u2019s commitment to prioritizing mental health.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cMental health affects every one of us \u2013 either personally or through someone we love,\u201d said Susan\u00a0 Holtzman, President & CEO of NAMI Miami-Dade. \u201cWith new data showing that 1 in 4 people are\u00a0 living with a mental health condition, the need for support has never been greater. This walk is about\u00a0 breaking stigma, building connection, and ensuring no one has to face mental health challenges alone. The\u00a0<\/p>\n

funds raised allow us to continue providing critical education, support, and advocacy for individuals and\u00a0 families in our community throughout the year.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

The 2026 walk will feature a strong presence from community leaders, including Miami-Dade County\u00a0 Mayor Daniella Levine Cava; City of Miami Mayor Eileen Higgins; Senator Ren\u00e9 Garc\u00eda, and Miami Dade County Commissioners Roberto J. Gonzalez (District 11); Commissioner Kionne L. McGhee\u00a0 (District 9); Commissioner Vicki L. Lopez (District 5); Commissioner Raquel A. Regalado (District 7);\u00a0 Commissioner Juan Carlos \u201cJC\u201d Bermudez (District 12).\u00a0<\/p>\n

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During the event, NAMI Miami-Dade will honor Mayor Daniella Levine Cava with its Susan Racher\u00a0 Mental Health Champion Award in recognition of her leadership and commitment to advancing mental\u00a0 health initiatives in the community.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The morning program will also feature a live performance by the Mays High School Marching Band, and\u00a0<\/p>\n

special appearances including Billy the Marlin and other surprise guests. Attendees can also enjoy\u00a0 informational booths from local mental health providers, family-friendly activities, music, and a vibrant,\u00a0 supportive atmosphere celebrating mental health awareness and recovery.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cWe invite the entire community to come together, walk together, and stand together for mental health,\u201d\u00a0 said Emily Bodden, Manager of Fundraising and Special Events. \u201cThis event represents a powerful\u00a0 movement \u2013 one that brings people from all walks of life together to support one another and drive\u00a0 meaningful change.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n

NAMI Miami-Dade\u2019s Walk for Mental Health Awareness comes at a time when mental health needs are\u00a0 reaching unprecedented levels. New data from Mental Health America shows that 1 in 4 individuals now\u00a0 live with a mental health condition, an increase from previous estimates of 1 in 5. Locally, this translates\u00a0 to hundreds of thousands of individuals across Miami-Dade and Monroe counties living with a mental\u00a0 health condition \u2013 impacting not only individuals, but also their families, loved ones, and communities.\u00a0 These conditions can range from depression and anxiety to more complex diagnoses such as obsessive\u00a0<\/p>\n

compulsive disorder, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

The impact extends beyond individuals to workplaces and the broader community. Mental health conditions remain a leading cause of workplace absenteeism, underscoring the broader effects of untreated conditions. While suicide rates in Miami-Dade County are lower than the state average, the community continues to\u00a0 face serious concerns, with a rate of 7.7 per 100,000 people, according to the most recent available data.\u00a0 Additionally, Miami-Dade and Monroe counties have seen increases in adolescent suicide and self-inflicted\u00a0 injury, as well as rising rates of depression among the Medicare population over the past two years, further\u00a0 reinforcing the urgent need for expanded mental health resources and support.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

Through its free, evidence-based programs, NAMI Miami-Dade provides education, advocacy, and support for individuals living with mental health conditions and their loved ones. NAMI\u2019s services complement\u00a0 clinical and therapeutic care providing an essential role in the continuum of mental health recovery, helping\u00a0 meet the increasing demand for care across the community.\u00a0<\/p>\n

To register, create a team, or learn more, visit NAMIWalks.org\/Miami <\/a>or call 305-665-2540.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

About NAMI Miami-Dade\u00a0<\/p>\n

NAMI Miami-Dade County is an affiliate of the nation\u2019s largest peer-led mental health organization\u00a0 dedicated to building better lives for the millions of individuals affected by a mental health condition and\u00a0 their families. NAMI Miami-Dade has engaged more than 98,000 students, young adults, adults, and\u00a0 families with its awareness, prevention, education, and support programs. These programs are free, led by\u00a0 NAMI-trained leaders with lived experience, and remain confidential. For more information, call 305- 665-2540 or visit NAMIMiami.org and connect with us on Facebook or Instagram at @NAMIMiami. To\u00a0 donate, visit NAMIMiami.org\/get-involved\/donate<\/a>.<\/p>\n


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