The Fourth Annual Los Angeles National Association for Mental Illness “NAMIWALKS for the Minds of America” 5K event is taking place at the Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica on Saturday, October 6.

Scheduled to participate will be more than 5,000 walkers and supporters from Los Angeles County who are expected to raise more than $500,000 to support programs of education, research and advocacy for those who suffer from mental illness including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depression, obsessive compulsive disorder and severe anxiety disorders.

In 2006, “NAMIWALKS for the Minds of America” was held in 59 cities nationwide, attracted over 55,000 walkers/supporters who raised more than $5.5 million. Since its inception in 2003, a total of 150 “NAMIWALKS for the Minds of America” events have been held, engaged more than 133,000 walkers/supporters, and raised over $13 million.

On-site registration for the Los Angeles “NAMIWALKS for the Minds of America” 5K walk begins at 8:00 a.m., pre-walk activities commence at 9:30 a.m., and the actual walk starts at 10:00 a.m. For more information, contact Los Angeles “NAMIWALKS for the Minds of America’s” office at (213) 251-6557 or go to www.namiwalkslac.org