Support local mental health care with a virtual 5K

Interfaith Social Services’ Annual Stop the Stigma 5K goes virtual

With the safety of the community as a top priority, Interfaith Social Services has converted their annual Stop the Stigma 5K into a virtual event.

Participants are invited run or walk a 5K of their choice any time during Memorial Day weekend, May 24-25 and then submit their finish times online. Register today at StopTheStigma5K.org.

The annual Stop the Stigma 5K event, now in its 46th year, is held to erase stigmas surrounding mental illness and addiction and to support family, friends and neighbors affected by these issues. All proceeds benefit Interfaith’s New Directions Counseling Center. Each registration entry provides the equivalent of one counseling session to a person in need.

Mental health care is critical, and even more so now as we all face the isolation and anxiety of the coronavirus pandemic. The stresses of the outbreak have brought more people than ever to the New Directions Counseling Center.

“The extraordinary societal impact of the pandemic cannot be denied,” said New Directions Counseling Coordinator Claire Hagan. “Many individuals will actually find new strengths. But for some, the response to this extreme situation is depression and anxiety. Counseling is available during this stressful time. Our goal is to support adults, children, and their families in the optimal way for each unique situation.”

New Directions serves anyone seeking counseling but prides itself on being a safety net for the uninsured and underinsured members of the community. The Center makes mental health care accessible to everyone by offering a sliding scale payment system.

To join the virtual event, register today at StopTheStigma5K.org. All registrations include a t-shirt and participants that submit finish times or photos after their run will receive a finisher medal. Prizes will be awarded to top fundraisers, and giveaways will be held for categories such as “Most Creative Running Attire” and “Most Scenic Route.”

The Stop the Stigma 5K is supported by many generous local businesses, including top sponsors Arbella Insurance Foundation and The Heritage Companies, as well as gold sponsors IntelyCare and J. Calnan and Associates. Sponsorships are still available.

Information on the New Directions Counseling Center can be found at InterfaithSocialServices.org.