Location: The Stile Athletics Field House at The University of Akron
Date: Saturday, September 13, 2025
Time: 8:30 a.m. Check-In, 10 a.m. Walk Starts
Registration: namiwalks.org/summitcounty
On Saturday, Sept. 13, NAMI Summit County will host its longstanding signature event: NAMIWalks Summit County. Held at The University of Akron’s Stile Athletics Field House, this 5-kilometer walk gathers advocates, families, friends, and community members to take meaningful steps toward mental health for all.
A Gathering for Mental Health Advocacy
For over two decades, Summit County’s NAMIWalks has united individuals impacted by mental health conditions, their loved ones, and allies from every corner of the community. It stands as a powerful demonstration of compassion, resilience, and the belief that “together, we are strong enough to lift hope and achieve mental health for all.”
Funds raised through NAMIWalks fuel NAMI Summit County’s wide-ranging mission of improving the quality of life for people with mental health conditions and their families through support, education, and advocacy. At the heart of NAMI Summit County’s mission is access, connecting individuals and families affected by mental health challenges with no-cost services that promote healing and connection.
Education and Support Programs: Include renowned classes like NAMI Family-to-Family, Peer-to-Peer, NAMI Basics, Family Support Group, and NAMI Connection. Delivered by trained volunteers, these programs are peer-led and grounded in lived experience.
Outreach Events: NAMI Summit County connects and collaborates with local organizations through outreach events and provides presentations, including Ending the Silence, an engaging presentation that helps middle and high-school-aged youth learn about the warning signs of mental health conditions, how to identify and talk to a trusted adult, and understand that they are not alone and help is available through resources such as 988.
Destigmatizing Mental Health Through Action
Every step taken on September 13 sends a visible message: mental health matters. Events like NAMIWalks help reduce stigma by putting real faces and stories at the forefront, reshaping public perception from misconception to empathy. It’s not just a walk, it’s a declaration: “Mental Health for All.”
The funds raised directly support free education, peer-led support groups, and vital outreach programs for youth, individuals, and families. In a world where access to care can feel limited, NAMI’s grassroots efforts fill critical gaps in support networks.
Mental health affects every aspect of community well-being, including schools, workplaces, families and neighborhoods. By rallying together, participants reinforce the social fabric, showing that Akron’s strength lies in empathy, dedication, and mutual care.
What to Expect at NAMIWalks Summit County
Festivities begin at 8:30 a.m. at The University of Akron’s Stile Athletics Field House. A welcome ceremony unites participants before the 5K walk begins. Pre-walk activities will include free food, family-friendly activities, and the opportunity to connect with like-minded organizations and individuals.
You’ll find people of all ages, those with lived experience, families, advocates, and local supporters walking side by side in solidarity and celebration. The event doubles as an opportunity to learn about NAMI programs, volunteer opportunities, and ways to advocate for mental health beyond the walk.
It’s not just walkers; volunteers, local businesses, sponsors and organizations help shape the event, amplifying impact through partnerships. The energy and connections from this day often spark lifelong commitments. Many take their walk-day momentum and carry it into ongoing involvement with NAMI Summit County.
Reflecting on the Journey, Looking Toward the Future
For over 20 years, Summit County’s NAMIWalks has exemplified community courage. These years have seen evolving mental health landscapes, from greater public awareness to persistent gaps in access. NAMI Summit County’s response has been unwavering: growing programs, deepening outreach, and doing so with compassion and empathy.
How You Can Be Part of the Movement
Register for Free. NamiWalks registration is free and the first step toward raising money to benefit those with mental health challenges in your community. Participants are encouraged to fundraise in support of NAMI Summit County’s mission. Register as a team and get family and friends in on the fun. Motivate each other, raise funds and help your community as a team.
Donate. Every contribution matters. Visit namiwalks.org/summitcounty to donate today and support NAMI Summit County..
Share why you walk on social media, among friends, or in your local sphere. Personal stories can spark connections.
Businesses and individuals can support through sponsorships, ranging from route signage and branded materials to social media and post-event visibility.
Local engagement ensures the walk’s reach continues growing year after year. NAMI’s support doesn’t start or end with the walk. It’s ongoing.
The NAMIWalks Summit County event on September 13, 2025, represents more than a walk, it’s a powerful milepost in Akron’s mental health journey. It honors two decades of community care, celebrates lives changed by shared understanding, and invites everyone to walk toward a future where mental health is valued, supported, and accessible for all.
By walking, donating, volunteering, or simply showing up, each person adds momentum to a movement that says: you’re not alone, your mental health matters, and together, we can lift hope.
