-Editorial
The annual NAMIWalks event returned to Imperial Valley for its third year. It drew community members together to raise awareness about mental health and promote the message that no one is alone on their mental health journey.
Held at the Imperial Valley Mall, the event combined a wellness walk with a robust resource expo inside the mall, connecting participants to a wide range of local services. The walk is part of a national effort organized by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and is the organization’s biggest annual fundraiser
“This is our third year in Imperial Valley. Last year we had about 100 walkers,” said Cathryn Nacario, Chief Executive Officer for NAMI San Diego and Imperial Counties. “We also have a wellness expo inside the mall. The whole purpose of this event—of course, it is a fundraiser—but also just to share with the community all the great resources that are here. Most of the resources, if not all of them, are free.”
Nacario emphasized the importance of awareness and early intervention, saying the walk is about more than just fundraising.
“It’s to share awareness, reduce stigma, and ensure that everybody knows there is no health without mental health,” she said. “Seek help early. We are here, and you’re not alone in your journey.”
NAMI has steadily expanded its presence in Imperial County, with a variety of programs serving youth and families. These include the HEY! Café Clubhouse for transitional-age youth (ages 14–26), mental health education programs in partnership with the San Diego Regional Center, and support for students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) within schools.
“We’re out in the schools and the community, teaching about mental health and the importance of treatment,” Nacario said. “We’re normalizing the conversation and supporting families every step of the way.”
NAMI also provides certified peer support training and serves individuals with dual diagnoses—those who have both a mental health condition and a developmental disability.
“We’ve been out here for over a decade, but now we have a larger presence,” Nacario added. “The community has been so welcoming and has embraced us. We’re just really happy to be here.”
Brendon Brown, Director of Reps 4 Vets of Imperial Valley, was among the community leaders participating in the walk. Repservettes, a grassroots organization, is dedicated to supporting men—especially veterans—through programs designed to combat mental health struggles and reduce suicide.
“The work we do is we fight against veteran suicide through fitness and faith,” Brown said. “We run a 12-week exercise peer support program, and our biggest mission is to be open about our stories. A lot of men suffer in silence, and we want to create a safe place where they can get help without stigma or discrimination.
Brown’s passion for the cause is rooted in personal experience and driven by purpose. Since founding the organization nearly five years ago, Repservettes has seen powerful results.
“By the grace of God, we’ve been operating for five years this August,” Brown said. “We’ve had 164 graduates of our personal training program and, most importantly, we’ve prevented 26 suicides here in the Valley since we started.”
Participation in events like NAMIWalks is part of the broader mission to break the silence around men’s mental health and ensure veterans and others know they are not alone.
“We do a lot of things for the community, especially for men—veterans, law enforcement, and others,” Brown added. “Being here at NAMIWalks is about showing up for our community and continuing the fight to make mental health support visible and accessible.”
