BOSTON (CBS) — May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and a local group is on a mission to end the stigma and get people talking.
The Massachusetts National Alliance on Mental Illness resumes its fundraising walk this Saturday, May 21 after a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic.
“It’s a fun event, it’s a stigma-free zone. People go out and they have respect and dignity that day. You have a sea of smiles, riding around the Charles River and it’s great to see and every time I cry. NAMI’s deputy director of development, Karen Gromis, told WBZ-TV.
With Thursday being recognized as the Day of Action for Mental Health, Gromis is very passionate about spreading the message.
“People act because if it’s not someone in your immediate family, it’s your best friend, it’s your aunt, it’s your employer, it’s someone you work with who has a mental health issue,” she said.
Gromis thinks it’s also important to share your mental health experiences.
“People need to share because that’s how we end stigma and stigma is what kills people. This prevents them from seeking treatment.
The march will take place at Artesani Park in Brighton. For more information, click here.