To the Editor:
The National Alliance on Mental Illness Greater Mississippi Valley would like to thank its walkers and sponsors for so visibly supporting individuals and families living with mental illness. We are grateful for such a wide response from business, universities and faith and civic organizations for the 2014 NAMIWalk. We also appreciate this paper’s recent reporting and editorial discussion on mental health issues.
On Sept. 13 more than 1,200 walkers gathered at Centennial Park in Davenport to celebrate the Hope of Recovery. The event raised more than $88,000. These funds are used to provide education and support programs, at no cost, to individuals and families living with mental illness. Programs like NAMI Basics and Family-to-Family help families to learn about mental illnesses and how to more effectively deal with a loved one. Thank you for helping us to break the stigma of silence surrounding this disease, and bringing help and hope to Quad Citians.
Michael Freda, board president
NAMI Greater Mississippi Valley
