National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Wood County is a leading self-help organization offering free events, educational classes, support groups, and other programs that address mental health for the Wood County community.
Over the last 20 months or so, community members across Wood County have felt the impact of the pandemic in one way or another. The staff and volunteers at NAMI Wood County have also felt challenges through adjusting programming to virtual and hybrid models and reconstructing events that could not be done as they were in the past years before COVID, including their annual fall event, AfterBurn.
In the past, AfterBurn included a 5K run/1K walk, chili cookoff, glow walk, and family activities. Last year, the NAMI Wood County crew adjusted this event to fit social distancing and mask guidelines with the county and state. With much brainstorming, the staff at NAMI Wood County were able to put together an event that will still be in-person, but socially distant. The organization received a great deal of support and positive feedback from this “trunk or treat” drive-thru style event. In 2021, due to rising COVID cases, NAMI Wood County has decided once again to reimagine the annual AfterBurn event.
This year, NAMI Wood County wants to keep everyone safe per protocols from state and local health officials. With this being said, the 5K/1 miler race and chili cook-off have been postponed until next year. Additionally, there will be food truck options as well as opportunities to purchase a variety of NAMI Wood County t-shirts.
At the AfterBurn event, there will be a variety of local Wood County agencies sharing information on resources. Participants will stay in their cars and drive around to receive resources and information from local agencies, who will be in themed booths in a “trunk or treat” format.
Lastly, the evening will end with a “Lights in Memory” ceremony, which will include performances by local artists as the community comes together to remember those who have passed.
While this event will look different than in years past, the mission of NAMI Wood County stays the same: support, educate, and advocate for those living with mental health conditions and those with loved ones experiencing mental health conditions. As a leading advocate for mental health, NAMI Wood County wants to spread the word that help is here in our community through this family-friendly event.
Proceeds for this event will go towards NAMI Wood County’s programming including classes and support groups that are offered free of charge for those with mental illness and their loved ones. Join NAMI Wood County for their AfterBurn event on Friday, Oct. 1, at 6:30 p.m. Visit their website to learn more about this event at www.namiwoodcounty.org.
