Community members, first responders and families unite May 17 to promote healing and expand access to mental health care
(Sylvie Belmond | CLAIR – Simi Valley, CA) — Everyone knows someone who’s struggled with their mental health—maybe it’s someone close, maybe it’s yourself. Whether the struggle is recent or ongoing, visible or hidden, one thing is clear: no one should face it alone.
On May 17, people will walk together in support of that truth. NAMIWalks Ventura County is more than a fundraiser—it’s a moment of connection. It’s where families, neighbors and local heroes like first responders come together to break stigma and offer hope.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness reports that one in five adults in the U.S. experiences mental illness each year. For children, the numbers are just as sobering—about half of all lifetime mental illnesses begin by age 14. Treatment is available, but it isn’t always a straight path. Finding the right support can take time, trial and error and, above all, the steady presence of loved ones who care.
This year’s event will be supported by the Simi Valley Police Department, whose visible involvement reflects a broader commitment to behavioral health. According to a statement from the department, NAMIWalks Ventura County 2025 aims to raise $100,000 to help sustain NAMI’s free education, peer support and advocacy services throughout the region.
Officers complete a 40-hour Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) academy hosted by the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office, in partnership with Ventura County Behavioral Health and NAMI Ventura County. SVPD Detective Jeff Takeda said the training is designed to give officers the skills they need to respond to mental health crises with safety, compassion and a focus on connecting individuals to care.
Takeda, who serves on the NAMI Ventura County board, will be at the May 17 event at Royal High School to support the organization’s mission. “I’m working to help bring more of NAMI’s services here to Simi Valley,” he said. “These are more than public safety goals—they’re public health priorities.”
SVPD will also host a recruitment booth at the walk.
The walk shares its date and venue with Resources 4 Heroes, a community fair hosted at Royal High School. As reported on Eventbrite, the event focuses on connecting veterans, first responders and their families with wellness tools, peer support and outreach services. Both events offer something vital: connection, information and compassion for those navigating mental health challenges.
If you or someone you love has ever needed support, this is an invitation. Come walk. Come listen. Come stand with others who understand what it means to face something hard and still show up.
The event takes place Saturday, May 17, at Royal High School Stadium, 1402 Royal Avenue, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. To register, donate or learn more, visit namiwalks.org/venturacounty. Participants can also use the free Fundraise4NAMI app to track donations and share their reason for walking.
