May 18, 2006

Media advisory: Executive Sims to kick off 5K walk for mental health awareness

Raising awareness as well as funds for public education, peer and family support services, King County Executive Ron Sims will join hundreds of mental health advocates from across the state at the Second Annual NAMI Walks 5K benefiting the local chapters of the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI). Executive Sims will make brief remarks and then officially kick off the race. He will walk the course with a team of county employees.

The event will take place:

Saturday, May 20, 2006
Magnuson Park at Sand Point (74th Street Entrance), Seattle
10 a.m. Brief program; 3.1 mile walk begins

“One in five Americans experiences depression, anxiety or other mental heath problems, but only one-third will seek help, either because they don’t realize help is available or because they are too ashamed or embarrassed to ask for it,” said Executive Sims. “Mental health advocates across the state are working hard every day to fight the stigma of mental illness and provide information, education and hope to individuals and families. I am proud to join that effort.”

May is Mental Health Month in King County and across the nation.

Executive Sims served as honorary co-chair, along with US Representative Jim McDermott and King County Sheriff Sue Rahr. More than 400 people of all ages are expected to walk and raise money to support the family training, public education, peer supports and other services provided by NAMI Washington and its local chapters, including NAMI Greater Seattle, NAMI Eastside and NAMI South King County.

For more information, call Sherry Hamilton, Communications Manager, King County Department of Community and Human Services at 206-205-1324 or Denise Cugini with NAMI Walks at 206 343-3031 or