PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Berkshire County affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is having a team captain's kick-off luncheon for NAMIWalks for the Mind of America, and it's inviting the public to join.

The luncheon will be held on Wednesday, March 24, from noon to 1:30 p.m. at the Crowne Plaza, to begin planning the affiliate's participation in NAMI's nationwide fundraising and mental health awareness program. The Berkshire County affiliate's walk will take place on Saturday, May 15, at Burbank Park at Onota Lake.

At the luncheon, NAMI will provide supporters with the instructions and materials needed to organize a team to take part in the walk. The organization is seeking local residents to serve as committee members, team captains and volunteers for the event.

According to NAMI, one in four American adults—approximately 57.7 people — experience a mental health disorder in a given year. One in 17 lives with a serious mental illness, such as schizophrenia, major depression or bipolar disorder, and about one in 10 children have a serious mental or emotional disorder.

Companies, organizations and families are encouraged to organize teams of walkers made up of employees, organization members, relatives and friends. Proceeds of the walk will be used to help NAMI fund support, education and advocacy programs for people whose lives are affected by mental illness in Berkshire County.

If you are interested in participating in the walk, call 413-443-1666, or email namibc@namibc.org