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On Saturday, May 2, an estimated 5,000 people, including many psychiatrists and dignitaries, will gather in Washington, D.C., for the "Walk the Walk for Lives Touched by Mental Illness."
The one-mile event, cosponsored by APA and 19 other patient, advocacy, and professional organizations, is the first ever march on Washington for and with people with mental illness. The honorary co-chairs are Tipper Gore, mental health policy adviser to the President, former First Lady Rosalynn Carter, and Health and Human Services Secretary Donna E. Shalala.
"The purpose of the walk is to dispel misconceptions about mental illness, gain equal treatment for people with mental illness, and celebrate mental health," said Bernard Arons, M.D., director of the Center for Mental Health Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, which is sponsoring and supporting the event.
APA has participated in planning the walk since it was first announced in July 1997. "The Walk the Walk is a great opportunity for psychiatrists to join with people with mental illnesses, and with family members, advocates, and other mental health professionals to demonstrate by our presence that mental illness is a national problem that affects everyone," said APA Medical Director Steven M. Mirin, M.D., who plans to be among the marchers.
"The Walk will offer a strong and visible message of hope that through the effective treatments available today, the large majority of people with mental illness can recover and lead productive and satisfying lives."
The event begins with a voluntary check-in at 9:30 a.m. at Freedom Plaza, located at 14th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., followed by a brief program at 11 a.m. led by Tipper Gore.
The walk will begin at 11:30 a.m., proceed down Pennsylvania to Seventh Street near the Capitol, head north to E Street, N.W., and return to Freedom Plaza.
Hundreds of tourists visiting Washington, D.C., for its lovely spring sights are expected to watch the marchers and visit the information tent that will be set up at Freedom Plaza.
More information is available by visiting the Internet site at www.mentalhealth.org or by calling (800) 789-CMHS.