Community unites for mental health awareness walk in Bend on Sunday

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — NAMI Central Oregon will host its Community Mental Health Awareness Walk on Sunday at 9 a.m. PT. The event will take place at Pioneer Park, located at 1525 NW Wall St in Bend. This 2-mile, wheelchair-accessible walk aims to reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness and support community mental health awareness.

The annual NAMIWalks event is designed to unite community members, fostering a collective belief in "Mental Health for All." NAMI provides valuable services, life-changing programs and comprehensive education and guidance to support mental health. The walk is promoted as an important mental health fundraising event that encourages engagement and sharing personal stories.

The walk's route spans 2 miles and is fully wheelchair accessible. Participants are encouraged to use the event as an opportunity to commit to conversations about mental health.

The event experience emphasizes joy and community, with organizers noting that participants often complete the walk with more energy than when they began. This feeling is attributed to the shared experience and positive interactions among NAMIWalkers.

The NAMIWalks Community Mental Health Awareness Walk is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. PT on Sunday, May 17, 2026.