Step out and step up to support National Mental Health Awareness Month at Maria Parham Franklin’s “Stomp the Stigma” 5K run and walk on Saturday, May 31 in Louisburg.
Check-in begins at 8 a.m. at the Maria Parham Franklin campus, 100 Hospital Dr. in Louisburg. There are three events for participants: the 5K run/walk begins at 9 a.m.; the 1-mile family fun run/walk begins at 9:30 a.m. and the Kids’ Dash is at 10 a.m.
Maria Parham Franklin and the MPF Behavioral Health team are hosting the run/walk to raise awareness around mental health, reduce stigma and foster support for the needs of the local community.
Emilee Johnson, Maria Parham’s vice president of Operations, said this inaugural event is a great way to combine a fun activity with raising awareness to reduce the stigma that often surrounds mental health issues.
“Exercise helps a great deal with mental well-being,” Johnson said, so blending education and awareness with an event that provides physical activity just makes sense.
Vendors who provide education and treatment services will be on hand to share information about different types of mental illness and available resources for individuals.
The proceeds for the run/walk will be used to provide help to those in the four-county area, said Ashley Jarema, MPF coordinator for Marketing & Communications.
All dollars raised will go to First In Families, a local nonprofit that offers services and more to clients in Vance, Granville, Franklin and Warren counties. Whether the money is used for actual care or to help individuals get access to the care they need, the funds are meant to stay in the local area.
“We want to normalize seeking help when needed,” Jarema said, adding that oftentimes, people struggle silently. “We want to make everyone aware that it’s OK to seek help.”
If you want to make sure you get a t-shirt and a swag bag, you should register no later than Friday, May 16. It’s fine to register later – or even the morning of, too.
Register here: https://runsignup.com/Race/NC/Louisburg/StompTheStigmaK
The top three male finishers and the top three female finishers will receive prizes, and the first 100 finishers will get medals.
There are surely folks who will want to get to the finish line first, but Jarema said “You don’t have to be a runner, you don’t even have to be a walker” to come out and help. There’s a spot to sign up to be a volunteer on the registration page.
Johnson said the message to the community is simple: “You are not alone. We are here with you. We all fight the battle together.”
