We envision a world where all people affected by mental illness live healthy, fulfilling lives supported by a community that cares. On Sunday, October 9, 2022, join hundreds of supporters as we unite and walk to raise awareness, to end the stigma that surrounds mental health, and to raise the funds necessary to make our mission and vision a reality. Recovery is possible for individuals living with mental illness, and we provide the necessary education and support to allow anyone to find hope and recovery as a complement to treatment and other supportive services.

About Dr. Jamie Gairo

The NAMI Bucks County PA team is devastated to share the news of our Vice President, Dr. Jamie Gairo’s sudden passing on Tuesday, May 10, 2022.

While her direct impact will continue to be revealed years from now, Jamie has been a face for NAMI since her election to the Board of Directors in 2019. Accompanied by her daughter Fiona (aka NAMI GIRL), son Matthew, and husband Anthony, Jamie rolled up her sleeves to pitch in at every NAMI event with the fervor of a fierce Mental Health Advocate.

Jamie recently earned her PhD while being a wife and mother, managing a department at Rider University, and working with NAMI to form partnerships with local school districts and universities, planning events, giving speeches, and guiding our strategic planning process. Under Jamie’s leadership, NAMI Bucks County PA achieved unparalleled growth and received the Outstanding NAMI Affiliate Award in 2021.

More than our Vice President, Jamie was a friend to all of us. Her love and support saw us through a pandemic. And now, our love and support are with Jamie’s family during this unimaginably painful time.

When we sat down with Jamie to plan the 2022 Stride for Mental Health Awareness 5K Walk, we had every intention of walking alongside Jamie and her family. We never wanted to do this without her.

We are putting our love for Jamie and her family into action by dedicating the 2022 Stride 5K Walk to Jamie’s life and legacy. This year, we’ll walk together in the Jamie Gairo Memorial Stride for Mental Health Awareness, and we hope you'll join us in smashing the stigmas Jamie fought to eliminate.

We will miss you forever, Jamie. We love you. Thank you.