Officials who organized the first-ever NAMIWalks on Oct. 31 said one in four adults and one in seven children have a mental health diagnosis. The one-mile walk for mental health awareness started at the Patrick Heath Public Library amphitheater. Lauren Byrd, executive director of NAMI Greater San Antonio, said the turnout showed a need for more education about available resources.
Byrd said mental health conditions can affect families and daily life. She said there is no stigma attached to mental health and that asking for help is a sign of strength. "Calling our warmline is a great place to start," she said, referring to a phone service for people in crisis, people with a diagnosis, or people worried about someone else.
Boerne Police Chief Steve Perez, Kendall County Sheriff Al Auxier and Hill Country Family Services Executive Director Bryce Boddie spoke before the walk. Perez said officers and deputies step in when conditions are at their worst, and that both agencies have staff trained for these emergencies. He said the challenge is getting people who need help to the right places, and that the strain also falls on families.