MARQUETTE — To end the stigma surrounding mental illness and get the word out about the largest mental health awareness 5K event, the National Alliance on Mental Illness Michigan and NAMI-Alger/Marquette are hosting a kick-off rally at Ore Dock Brewing Co. in Marquette tonight.

The family-friendly event will run from 5-7 p.m. and features entertainment, a taco bar provided by Border Grill, games, a raffle with prizes donated by local businesses and a speech from NAMI member George Savolainen on his experiences with the organization and mental illness.

The purpose of the event is to not only raise awareness of the NAMIWalks Northern Michigan 5K on Sept. 14, but also to let the community know of the services NAMI provides and how to get involved with the organization.

“We’re going to have our second actual NAMI walk in September so this is just a little kick off to let people know what we’re going to be doing in September just to get people fired up out there, to get going and raise money,” said Cindy K. Bertucci, president of the local NAMI chapter. “It’s just actually to raise money to help our local affiliate to continue offering the things we offer for free and just help with the stigma about mental illness and a lot of the things that people don’t understand about mental illness.”

The mission of NAMI-Alger/Marquette is to improve the lives of individuals with serious mental illnesses and those who care for them through education, support and advocacy.

Bertucci struggles with mental illness herself having been diagnosed with bipolar disorder. She hopes that through education and communication, others will take the time to try to understand mental illness.

“It’s just to make people more aware that people can do well and sometimes may not, but it’s not a bad thing,” Bertucci said. “It’s a brain illness just like people have diabetes or high blood pressure or heart problems. It’s part of the body. It just happens to be our brain that’s causing the problem.”

Often people think differently about those who struggle with mental illness, but Bertucci believes that being open about these illnesses may change others’ mindsets and show that those who suffer are still people, they may just think a bit differently.

She recommended family, friends or anyone who may know someone struggling with a mental illness attend one of NAMI’s family-to-family classes. The 12-week class explains illnesses such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, medications for these illnesses and their side effects, as well as talking techniques.

Individuals interested in learning more about mental illness or NAMI-Alger/Marquette should attend the rally and come to support the volunteer-based organization, she added.

The kick-off rally is open to the public and free to attend.

The NAMIWalks Northern Michigan 5K will take place Sept. 14 at Mattson Lower Harbor Park in Marquette with registration beginning at 8 a.m. and the walk starting at 10 a.m.

Trinity Carey can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 243. Her email address is photos@miningjournal.net.