PASS Member Key to NAMIWalks NH
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- Published: October 09, 2014
By Jennifer Cloutier, PASS National PR Committee Chair
Robin Alvanos is a telecommunications specialist and PASS Chapter NG3 member by day and a mental health advocate by night. Last weekend, her three passions were united at the 2014 NAMIWalks NH fundraiser in Concord, N.H.
Alvanos is the captain of a team of more than 100 walkers, aptly named the NAMI Army, who gather together annually to raise money for and awareness of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). This year's team included fellow PASS members, FAA colleagues, and other community activists, including a local nursing school that brought its army of supporters 45 walkers strong.
"NAMI and mental illness awareness are so very important to me," said Alvanos. "I am grateful to everyone who gave of their time, energy and resources to support this event and help to shine the spotlight on these life-changing issues."
With donations from PASS members and other supporters, Alvanos’ team raised more than $12,000 for this event. In addition, Alvanos used her community connections to secure team t-shirts purchased by a local law firm and free food from local vendors to fuel the post-walk cookout and celebration. And while completing the 5K walk was serious business, there was plenty of clowning around afterward, with many of Alvanos’ friends from Granite State Clown Alley, who gifted their time to do ballooning, magic and walk-around clowning for the celebrants.
Because of her dedication to making a difference in her community, Alvanos was recognized recently as the NAMI New Hampshire Family Volunteer of the Year, an honor she accepts begrudgingly. "It's embarrassing since so many people do so much more," Alvanos said humbly. “I just have some great people on my team and some fabulous supporters, like PASS and my community." PASS congratulates Alvanos on her well-deserved award and thanks her for her commitment to community and promoting mental health.
Nearly 60 million Americans experience a mental health condition every year. Regardless of race, age, religion or economic status, mental illness impacts the lives of at least one in four adults and one in 10 children nationwide. For more information about NAMI, visit nami.org. If you or someone you know is in crisis, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255). For counseling and other assistance, contact the FAA Employee Assistance Program (24/7) at 1-800-234-1327, or visit Magellanhealth.com.