As the American public increasingly understands the critical nature of accessible, affordable mental health care, so do the demands on the National Alliance on Mental Illness, known locally as NAMI South Central Indiana.

To support its free educational programs, power its advocacy efforts and strengthen outreach to the community, NAMI presents its largest mental health awareness and fundraising event of the year, NAMIWalks South Central Indiana from 2 to 4 p.m. Sept. 22 at Shields Park, 703 N. Park St., Seymour.

To participate in the upcoming NAMIWalks, visit namiwalks.org/southcentralin. There is no registration fee, but donations are welcomed. Participants raising at least $100 receive an event T-shirt. All funds raised stay local, supporting NAMI South Central’s free mental health programs, resources and services.