And walk for mental health

Sponsors are needed for the 2007 Walk for Mental Health, which takes place in October at the state Capitol. Last year, the event drew 300 people, including 150 walkers, and raised $37,000 for 14 local mental-health organizations.

This year’s event will include a health fair hosted by Turning Point Community Programs and will include free health screenings, resource information, educational outreach and multicultural events involving Spanish-speaking, Hmong, Cantonese, Vietnamese and Russian communities. Information about mental-health programs, smoking cessation, physical wellness and access to care will be presented.

By combining the walk with the health fair, organizers expect attendance to rise to between 800 and 1,000 people, with the goal of raising $75,000.

Sutter Center for Psychiatry has signed on as the walk’s first major sponsor, but more are needed for both monetary and in-kind contributions, according to Lester Neblett, Walk for Mental Health board president. To become a sponsor contact Neblett at (916) 442-0185 x109.