It has been reported that Hollywood actress Glenn Close is joining
forces with the National Alliance on Mental Illness to fight the stigma
of mental illness.

BringChange2Mind. org, a non-profit
organization created by Close, the Child and Adolescent Bipolar
Foundation, Fountain House and Garen and Shari Staglin of International
Mental Health Research Organization, is joining the NAMI in selected
NAMIWalks, held around Mental Health Month in May.

It was
further informed that NAMIWalks involve thousands of people in nearly
80 communities, who walk together to raise money and awareness about
the need for a better treatment and recovery system for people with
mental illness.

Close further said that BringChange2Mind teams
will participate in selected NAMIWalks to support the common mission to
battle the stigma often associated with mental illness.

Close
said in a statement, "NAMIWalks are a new grassroots dimension for the
campaign. It is a natural fit. Last year, I was proud to participate in
NAMI Maine's walk. I know about NAMI's work in local communities
through the help it has given my own family members."

At the
Cardinals-Mets baseball game April 17 in St. Louis, Close is scheduled
to throw the first pitch and perform. (With Inputs from Agencies)