Numerous organizations, volunteers and sponsors are joining forces Saturday to host a daylong event in downtown Butler aimed at eradicating the societal stigma surrounding mental illness.

“I want people to walk away with some knowledge and hope that there’s help out there for them,” organizer Roy Remone said of the inaugural Recovery & Resource Block Party scheduled for Saturday on Main Street.

Remone works as the volunteer coordinator for the Compeer programs with the Mental Health Association in Butler County. He said organizers hope the event will help break down the stigmas and stereotypes for people suffering from mental health issues, while providing fun for the whole family.

The event kicks off in the morning with the sixth annual Mental Health Awareness Walk organized by the Butler County Chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) in honor of May being Mental Health Month. According to the NAMI website, one in five adults struggles with mental health issues, while one in 25 lives with a serious mental illness. That equates to 43.8 million Americans.

The walk’s organizer, Kathy Perkins, pointed out that mental health issues don’t just affect the individual, but their loved ones, family and friends. As executive director for the Butler County chapter of NAMI, Perkins said her group advocates for individuals with mental illness, provides education for the public and offers support groups for both individuals living with mental illness and their families.

Following Saturday’s walk — which starts at 10:30 a.m. at Diamond Park — there will be a block party on Main Street between Brady and Jefferson streets from noon to 8 p.m. with bands, more than 25 area nonprofits, and a kids zone featuring bounce houses and other activities.

Proceeds from Saturday’s block party will go to help support the Butler County Emergency Relief Initiative, which provides utility assistance to residents.