MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. (WCIV) — People gathered at Palmetto Islands County Park on Saturday for NAMIWalks Charleston, an annual event focused on raising awareness, building community and expanding access to mental health support.
The walk, organized by the National Alliance on Mental Illness Charleston, brought together participants and community organizations united in their effort to break the stigma surrounding mental health and suicide.
For Kim Leseman, the event holds a deeply personal meaning.
“I lost Alex to suicide in 2019,” Leseman said about her son. “And NAMI was here for me during that time. And the walks gave me purpose.”
Leseman said the isolation that came with the COVID-19 pandemic made grieving even more difficult. Still, she continued walking and finding ways to bring people together.
“That was a struggle,” she said. “Because there weren’t groups, the isolation was a little difficult. So I really worked on trying to turn pain into purpose through the walks or even other walks in the neighborhood, trying to bring people together.”
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Several local organizations also attended to connect people with mental health and suicide-prevention resources. Ramona Gourdine, founder and executive director of the Justine Lamar Washington Legacy Foundation, said collaboration is key.
“You have various organizations out here that you can connect with, partner with,” Gourdine said. “We can all collaborate to break the stigma concerning mental health and suicide.”
NAMI Charleston Executive Director Lori Smith encouraged anyone struggling to reach out for help.
“You’re not alone,” Smith said. “You can always call NAMI. You can always reach out to 988. It’s free and confidential and you don’t have to be alone.”
Organizers said their fundraising goal is $45,000. Donations will be accepted for up to 60 days after the event and will support NAMI Charleston’s free services in the Charleston area.
Anyone experiencing a mental health crisis or concerned about a loved one can call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Source: abcnews4.com
