SANDPOINT — Saturday, Oct. 3, shaped up to be the perfect morning for a walk.  

An Autumn breeze lingered in the air, gladly met by the sun peeking through the cloudy sky.  

But then again, any weather would be acceptable for the fifth annual NAMIWalk, a fundraiser meant to bring the community together for one cause — promoting mental health awareness.  

"We just want to bring the community together and make sure that people understand that mental health issues should not only be talked about, but we should know that recovery is actually possible," Dr. Dawn Mehra, NAMI Far North board president, said.      

A crowd of over 100 people made their way to Matchwood Brewing, the starting location of the fundraiser, bundled up in their fall-appropriate coats, each wearing signs that promoted support of, and validated the emotions associated with, mental illnesses. Resource tables of approximately 20 organizations and volunteers filled the event, ready to help the closest person, ready to share their support or assistance. 

It's the heartbeat behind one cause that exemplifies the true nature of NAMI Far North and supporting agencies alike, all of which are under a mission to help those who may not otherwise receive it or even know that help is available.  

Before the eager crowd began their walk along the Sandpoint-Dover Community Trail to promote their message of mental health awareness, a ceremony commenced with speakers showing their gratitude for NAMI's mission.  

One speaker, Teresa Luikens, shared a personal testimony on the importance of acknowledging mental health, like NAMI aims to do, leaving her audience in reflection as she recounted her family’s own attempt to dismiss conversations around mental wellness.  

"It's 1972. The Department of Health statistics tell us that 28,000 people end their lives by suicide. My dad, he was one of them. It's 1972. NAMI does not exist. If it had, I would have to wonder: Would Dad have called the NAMI hotline?" Luikens said.  "If he had, he could have talked to someone about his depression, he could have talked to someone about his PTSD, he could have talked to someone about his alcohol abuse, but it's 1972, and NAMI didn't exist." 

Her story went further to describe her sister's battle with mental wellness, where she said using compassion and listening to her sister allows her to wake up every day knowing she has someone there for her, instead of feeling isolated with the "big black dog," a term they coined to identify her depression.  

"I don't have to tell you the statistics surrounding the NAMI organization, the free education, the free trained listeners, the free support in a community just like this," Luikens said. "I grew up in a time when NAMI didn't exist, when silence surrounded my dad's mental health challenges, his suicide, and my family. But now NAMI exists, and when one person chooses to say out loud, 'I need help', someone will be there to listen." 

Luikens' words offered a reminder of what the fundraiser was built around — making sure people know they do not have to carry their struggles alone, and that recovery is possible.  

Around the crowd, that message was reflected in the signs people wore and the conversations shared between walkers as they stepped onto the trail to start their walk.  

NAMIWalks is a national event through the National Alliance on Mental Illness, the nation's largest grassroots organization that supports both individuals and families affected by mental health conditions. 

"It's a movement and a celebration that brings everybody together, families, individuals and communities," Mehra said. 

As walkers made their way down the trail, the message behind NAMIWalks moved with them: mental health is real health, recovery is possible, and no one should have to face a difficult season without support close by.   

NAMI Far North offers support, resources, and advocacy to individuals and families facing mental health conditions.

Support groups are also available both in-person and online. The groups are free of judgment, and everything is confidential. Information about local resources and education is available at namifarnorth.org or 208-597-2047

    NAMIWalk participants stretch before the walk starts.
  

    Dr. Dawn Mehra, NAMI Far North board president, welcomes participants to the 5th annual NAMIWalks fundraiser
  

    Teresa Luikens speaks on her family history with mental illness during Saturday's NAMIWalk

    A NAMI volunteer wears a sign saying "You Matter" for the 2026 NAMIWalk.
  

    Participants begin the NAMIWalk, a walk along the Sandpoint-Dover Community Trail that promotes awareness of mental illnesses