NAMI Mississippi to host first Mental Health Awareness Walk and Wellness Fair in Vicksburg

NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illnesses, is hosting its first Vicksburg Mental Health Awareness Walk and Wellness Fair.

The 5K walk and awareness event will be held at the Pemberton Square Mall, 3505 Pemberton Square Blvd., from 8 a.m. until 10 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 28, and it is open to the public. Walk check in begins a 7 a.m. There is no cost to register.

“This event is important because health is important,” said Walk Manager Deloris McGee. “Health involves your body and your mind, and it’s necessary that we get people to understand that and be aware of the issues that people with mental health illnesses suffer from. We just hope that we can inform the public of this with our event.”

In addition to the walk, the event will feature an army of vendors, music, activities and information tables. A few local celebrities will make appearances as well, including Vicksburg Mayor George Flaggs Jr.

“Miss Vicksburg should also be there,” McGee said. “Miss Magnolia will be there, and we’ll have [the American Association of Retired Persons] there as well, because they work with people who suffer from mental illnesses. We’ll even have face painting and food.”

Funds raised will go toward NAMI Vicksburg’s mental-health education classes.

For more information on the NAMI Vicksburg Mental Health Awareness Walk & Wellness Fair visit the NAMI Mississippi website, follow them on Facebook, or contact Deloris McGee at 601-738-1554.