Rochesterians Turn Out in Dreary Weather to Show Support for 11th Annual NAMI Walk

BY JODY LYNN GREER

The mental health battle is one that no one should ever have to ght alone. On May 20th, hundreds of people came out for the 11h annual NAMI walk in Rochester, NY. Americans have recognized May as Mental Health Awareness month since 1949. e National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is recognized for its motto that “It’s now how far we walk, but how far we’ve come.”

7-800 Rochesterians turned out in the rainy weather to walk the route through the Neighborhood of the Arts to show support and let those struggling with mental health issues know they do not have to su er in silence. Local businesses and organizations such as Wegmans, the University of Rochester, Villa of Hope, Excellus BCBS, and Everyone Needs a Little Assistance Sometimes (ENALAS) sponsored May’s NAMI event, and many other sponsors attended to extend their support. Despite the adverse weather conditions, the infectious enthusiasm of the day’s event le participants in good spirits. e path to wellness starts with community engagement and NAMI is just one of the local organizations in our community making an impact in e ort to expand the dialogue about mental well-being.

NAMI CEO Kristina Mossgraber says, “It’s important to talk about mental health because that’s how we’re going to break down the stigma. e reality is we are hearing about mental health more than ever but that’s where the opportunity comes to have those conversations. It o ers teachable moments to people and to challenge that stigma.”

According to Mossgraber, the purpose of organizations such as NAMI is multi-faceted. Local people in the community regardless of insurance or nancial status can reap the bene ts of their programs. She says, “We o er classes at no cost, we do yoga, journaling, and vision board is year’s walk marks a particularly momentous milestone in the ongoing nationwide discussion to raise mental health awareness. In 2023, Americans continue to navigate an insecure economy, rising gun violence, as well as a divided nation. Many believe America has a signi cant mental health crisis. Mental health issues such as depression and anxiety are increasingly common and becoming less stigmatized, but Americans are still hesitant to get support when they may need it the most. Whether social stigma, lack of information, or nancial resources is the culprit, the dialogue surrounding mental health is o en considered complex terrain.

According to NAMI.org, an estimated one in ve Americans currently struggle with mental illness in the United States. Mental illness a ects Americans from every race, nancial status, and background. It does not discern between the poor and uninsured or the nancially sound. At some point in their lives, most, if not all, Americans will either struggle with a mental health issue or know a loved one who has. By breaking down common perceptions and stereotypes about mental illness as a community, we promote opportunities to overcome the American mental health crisis together. Organizations such as NAMI are a valuable lifeline to those who need it most. And when they combine with community involvement, they strengthen the ght to combat mental illness.

To explore volunteer opportunities or to nd more information about NAMI and other local mental health programs, visit namiroc.org, www. villao ope.org, suicidepreventioncoalition.org, or stopthestigmaroc. org. Let’s help destigmatize mental health concerns.

Central School District 2023-2024

Emergency Response Plan

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Honeoye Central School Board of Education will hold a public hearing on the District’s proposed 2023-2024 Emergency Response Plan, pursuant to New York State Safe School Against Violence in Education (S.A.V.E.) Law, at the Honeoye Central School in the LGI, located at 8528 Main Street, Honeoye, NY, on July 12, 2023 at 6:00PM. e District’s proposed 2023-2024 School Safety Plan will be available for review and comment upon request.

Board of Education of Honeoye Central School District

Jennifer Green, District Clerk

May, June and July consistently rank among the most popular months to get married. These months typically provide pleasant weather, and if it does rain, it’s often in the form of a brief thunderstorm.