Street fair, walk party

To the editor:

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to set aside for reflection on the problem of mental illness.

As part of the month’s activities, NAMI — the National Alliance on Mental Illness — is sponsoring its annual fundraising walk, which for the first time this year will be accompanied by a street fair. The walk raises much needed revenue for the lifesaving services of the NAMI New York City chapter.

This year’s event, like those of years gone by, also promises to be a joyous coming together of men and women afflicted by some form of mental illness, along with family, friends and supporters. Walking together, joining in a street fair, and raising thousands of dollars, gives this community a chance to stand together against the stigma so many of us still encounter on a daily basis.

A street fair and walk party are scheduled for May 22 between 10 a.m., and 2 p.m., at the South Street Seaport.  It should be a great day to turn out and join the ever-growing movement to end the stigma against this most human form of affliction.

JOSH GREENFIELD