New Jersey Walk Drew Local Communities Raising Mental Health Awareness

North Brunswick, NJ – October 23, 2023 – The National Alliance on Mental Illness of New Jersey (NAMI NJ) held a successful statewide 5K walk at the Middlesex College on Saturday, October 14, 2023. More than 800 mental health advocates and supporters from 67 teams showed up at the College Center building on the rainy morning with enthusiasm and determination to promote Mental Health for All, the slogan for this year’s NAMIWalks across the country.

Meredith Masin Blount, NAMI NJ Chief Executive Officer, expressed deep appreciation to everyone who was present in support of the families and individuals affected by mental illness. “NAMIWalks NJ is an opportunity for community to come together to support each other. Together, we show that you are not alone in your mental health journey – that NJ is an amazing community that fights stigma and rallies in support of recovery for all.”

The event started with a welcome message from NAMI NJ Board President, Mark T. Williams, BSN, RN-BC. “What an amazing day! The spirit of volunteerism embraced by our advocates and supporters continues to overwhelm me year after year. I am never surprised by their generosity and always grateful for the opportunity to serve alongside them,” said Mark Williams.

Richard Wyatt, Councilman-At-Large Second and Third Wards, City of Plainfield and his wife, Hanae M. Wyatt, President of Plainfield Board of Education, served as Family Walk Chairs. The Wyatts addressed the crowd by highlighting the needs to raise awareness for social determinants of mental health; such as, racism, poverty, unemployment, underemployment, lack of access to healthcare, food insecurity, and childhood trauma.

Community Walk Chair, Joseph Nappi, New Jersey Teacher of the Year, shared his personal story of struggles with depression and anxiety as a youth. Mr. Nappi explained that he was able to rise above it with help from family and the community. “Nobody does this by themselves; we all need help”, said Nappi.

As New Jersey Chair, Derby Chukwudi, Miss New Jersey 2023, shared an inspirational message on her transformative journey. Ms. Chuwudi highlighted the importance of having the courage to ask for help, as well as being enthusiastic about helping others. She credited this in her journey from an immigrant with deep loss and little support to a wall-street professional and pageant winner. “We need each other, and we all have a role to play. So keep going,” encouraged Chukwudi.

Miss Teen USA 2023 - hailing from New Jersey, UmaSofia Srivastava, shared her personal experience with mental health needs while growing up and finding it hard to fit in. It took one teacher’s care and encouragement for her to get help, and she is determined to be that caring person for others. Paying it forward, Srivastava walked on a team led by the middle school teacher who supported her and encouraged her to reach out for support.

Youth Chair, Zoe Schack, designed Project Well-Z with her high school friends, to end the stigma, advocate for mental health curriculum changes, and model for other young people on how to be a compassionate friend.

Health Chair, Dr. Nick Carros, Sr., Senior Director of Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey, called on the assembly to dismantle stigma in the backdrop of a mental health crisis, and to advocate for whole-person care, where providers collaborate for coordinated and person- first healthcare. “65% of people with moderate or severe heart disease also struggled with depression, many of whom were undiagnosed and untreated. [Providers] have to treat everything together. You are not a diagnosis; you are a person.” said Dr. Carros.

Laura Del Prete-Conde, NAMI NJ Deputy Director, thanked our major walk sponsors – Wegmans, Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey, Lundbeck, and Otsuka. Top fundraising teams and walkers also received recognition.

Communities are called on to continue raising funds and donating on the Walk portal until December 10: namiwalks.org/newjersey. Funds raised support free local mental health programs and services provided by NAMI NJ and its local county-based affiliates.

NAMI NJ, founded in 1985, is a statewide non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of individuals and families who are affected by mental illness through programs of support, education, advocacy, and public awareness. Visit us at www.naminj.org.

For additional information

Contact: Maggie Luo, MCIS
Associate Director of Outreach & Communications
Phone: (732) 940-0991 ext.109
Email: [email protected]