5K draws hundreds to help Stop the Stigma

Record attendance at Interfaith Social Service’s annual road race supporting mental health

Close to 600 supporters took part in Interfaith Social Services’ Stop the Stigma 5K on Saturday, April 27, a record for the 45th annual event. The race, held each spring at the Kennedy Center in North Quincy, brings runners and walkers together to support Interfaith’s efforts to challenge stereotypes and eliminate the stigma of mental illness and addiction.

The event raised more than $50,000 for Interfaith’s programs, including The New Directions Counseling Center. New Directions has offered compassionate and skilled counseling for more than 70 years. The program is a mental health safety net for the South Shore, offering services on a sliding-fee scale based on income, to ensure that everyone has access to the help they need. Funding from the 5K will make it possible for hundreds of individuals to access care, especially those who are uninsured or underinsured.

Support from multiple local businesses and individuals help to make the event possible, including backing from 5K level sponsor The Heritage Companies and Gold level sponsors Arbella Insurance Foundation, Boston Medical Center HealthNet Plan, J. Calnan & Associates and Mayor Thomas Koch’s Substance Use Prevention Office.

Save the date for next year’s Stop the Stigma 5K: Saturday, May 2, 2020.

For more information:

Please head to Interfaith Social Services’ website: https://interfaithsocialservices.org/