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Fourth Annual Walk for Mental Health

On Sunday, September 25th, 2005 at 1:00 p.m., the fourth annual `LI Festival and Walk for Mental Health` will take place. The event is one-of-a-kind in that its sole purpose is to raise awareness of mental illness and the consequences of its stigma and stereotype rather than raise funds. Mental health organizations, professional companies and associations, families, individuals, and community members will be present to walk. They will all be coming from the tri-state area to participate.

Participants will gather at the Huntington Post Office on Gerard Street by 12:30. The Master of Ceremonies, Ed Lowe, is currently writing for the LI Press after many years as a Newsday columnist with a common-sense approach to life. He`ll lead `Walkers` to Huntington`s Heckscher Park, where several speakers will discuss the negative affects of the stigma of mental illness. In addition, an art show, music, food and exhibits will be in the park throughout the day to encourage the walk`s anti-stigma message.

`Although one in five people across our nation is affected by mental illness, far too often there is a stigma associated with it even today,` noted M.J. Pulling, a `Walk` committee member. `Stigma continues to be a significant obstacle for individuals and their families and discourages them from getting help they need because of their fear of discrimination,` added Ms. Pulling.

Guest speakers include Tom O`Clair, responsible for convincing the NY Senate and Assembly to enact Timothy`s Law. The bill was named for Timothy O`Clair, Tom`s 12-year-old son who was afflicted by mental illnesses, which four years ago led to suicide. Because insurance companies routinely differentiate between individuals diagnosed with mental health disorders and those with physical disorders, Tom spent years trying to get treatment for his son but was unable to. Timothy`s Law is intended to ensure that the state will provide coverage for mental health and chemical dependency that is on par with coverage for other physical issues.