SCOTT AND ROCK ISLAND SHERIFFS TO CHAIR NAMIWALK
Event to Raise Funds for Mental Health Education, Advocacy & Support
DAVENPORT, Iowa (June 10, 2014) - Rock Island County Sheriff Jeff Boyd and Scott County Sheriff's Office Sgt. Thomas Gibbs will serve as Honorary Walk Chairs for the 11th Annual NAMIWalk Greater Mississippi Valley. The event benefits the local affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). KWQC TV-6 is a major sponsor.
This signature fundraising event will be held September 13, 2014, at Centennial Park, Davenport, on the riverfront beginning at 10 a.m. Sheriff Boyd and Sgt. Gibbs will kick-off the event, which is expected to draw 75 walk teams and 1,200 persons. Funds from the event are used to provide free education and support programs in the Quad Cities area.
"We are walking to lend our support to families living with mental illness and to let them know it's important to seek help early. So often we work with individuals and families when they are in crisis. They often don't seek help or treatment because of the stigma attached to the illness," said Sgt. Thomas Gibbs, Scott County Sheriff's Office.
NAMI provides free education and support programs to individuals and families. The programs focus on coping and communication skills necessary to support their loved one living with mental illness, and to advocate for their recovery.
"We frequently work with families and encourage them to stay involved with the individual living with mental illness. That umbrella of support from family members is the best step towards recovery. They know the individual best," said Jeff Boyd, Sheriff, Rock Island County.
NAMI reports that less than one third of adults and half of all children with a diagnosable mental disorder receive help. In the U.S., one in four adults and one in 10 children experience a mental health disorder in a given year - nearly 60 million Americans.
Walk team and sponsor information is available at www.namiwalks.org/greatermississippivalley.
About Sgt. Thomas Gibbs
Sgt. Gibbs is currently assigned to the Scott County Sheriff's Office administration. He joined the sheriff's office in 2004, and has served as a member of the emergency services team, a field training officer, and was the office's first canine handler. Gibbs began his career with the U.S. Air Force where he worked as military working dog handler. He was last assigned to Andrews AFB in Maryland where he provided explosive detector dog support to the Air Force One Mission and Support Complex. After separating from the U.S.A.F. and before returning to his home state of Iowa, he worked briefly as a security officer at the Library of Congress, and then joined the Metropolitan Police Department in Washington D.C.
About Sheriff Jeff Boyd
Sheriff Boyd, Democrat, was first elected to his current position in 2010 representing Rock Island County. He is currently serving his first elected term as sheriff. Prior to his election, he was a member of the Rock Island County Sheriff's Department for more than 20 years. His department experience includes serving as a lieutenant and shift commander, an administrative lieutenant, supervisor of the Criminal Investigation and Warrant Divisions, and director of operations for Quad-City Metropolitan Enforcement Group. He holds a bachelor's degree in political science from Augustana College and a master's degree in law enforcement and justice administration from Western Illinois University.
About NAMI Greater Mississippi Valley
NAMI Greater Mississippi Valley is a 34-year old affiliate of the nation's largest grassroots mental health organization. NAMI serves families in Rock Island, Henry, and Mercer counties in Illinois, as well as Clinton, Scott and Muscatine counties in Iowa. Contact NAMI at www.namigmv.org or 563-322-8870.
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