Everyone is invited to join NAMI this weekend for the organization's annual 5K mental health walk, which aims to raise awareness about mental health and suicide prevention and show support for those affected.

"It's an opportunity to connect, remember and grieve," said NAMI Executive Director Jill Ainsworth. "To let people know they're not alone."

Registration is free and can be completed online or in person at the event. Companies and organizations also may register as teams.

Registration and check-in begin at 9 a.m. Saturday at Riverstone Park. The opening ceremony starts at 9:30 a.m. and will feature a Girl Scout troop color guard and speaker Mary Wolfinger, program coordinator for Kootenai County Mental Health Court.

The walk begins at 9:45 a.m. Participants will follow a 5K out-and-back route from the park pavilion to the North Idaho Centennial Trail toward North Idaho College. Snacks and water will be provided. The event concludes with a brief closing ceremony at noon.

Before the walk, 15 resource providers will set up booths at Riverstone Park to share information about services available to people affected by mental illness. Participating organizations include Blue Cross of Idaho, the Disability Action Center and Alcoholics Anonymous.

"The goal is to show there are places you can go," Ainsworth said. "There's help available."

This is the third consecutive year NAMI has organized a 5K walk. Ainsworth said she expects about 100 participants this year, roughly double last year's attendance. NAMI's fundraising goal was $15,000, a milestone the organization surpassed Thursday.

"We didn't expect to achieve that," Ainsworth said. "We're just thankful for everyone who supports us."

Donations are welcome but not required. Donors who contribute more than $100 to NAMI will receive a T-shirt.

Major sponsors of this year's NAMI 5K walk are Blue Cross of Idaho, CareSource, Magellan Healthcare, Molina Healthcare, Wells Fargo Advisors and North Idaho Law Group PLLC.

Info: namiwalks.org/cda