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With a crowd of approximately 1,400 and timing that couldn't have been better in terms of public policy and budget negotiations, the rally served to remind lawmakers and the governor of the large number of Michigan citizens who care about mental health, developmental disability, and substance abuse issues. All 83 counties were represented and consumers did a fabulous job of delivering heart-felt statements about their struggles with illness and disability and their pursuit of recovery.

The enthusiastic crowd followed each statement with "Walk a mile in my shoes!"

Amy Christie, Director of New Horizon's Clubhouse, stated, "the Walk-a-Mile in My Shoes Rally was a great uplifting experience for everyone and it brought home everyone knows someone with a mental illness."

Twenty-five members and staff from the Rapid City Clubhouse and the Petoskey Club took part in the rally.

New Horizon's Clubhouse and the Petoskey Club are programs of North Country Community Mental Health. The clubhouse model provides psychosocial programs for persons experiencing or recovering from mental illness.

North Country Community Mental Health provides services to residents of Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Emmet, Kalkaska and Otsego counties experiencing a severe emotional problem, serious mental illness or developmental disability. Persons wishing to know more about the agency are encouraged to visit www.norcocmh.org.