Five years ago a group of mental health agencies, hospitals, and individuals from the community, came together to plan the 1st Annual Plymouth Area Mental Health Run/Walk to benefit adults and children with mental illness.  We are pleased to report that we are now in the planning stages for the 5th annual event.

This event, hosted by local community mental health and human service providers, consumers and their families for the past three years has been a great success. Our 4th Run/Walk, on October 19, 2002 saw over 200 runners and walkers completed the scenic 5K course crossing the finish- line at the Plymouth Community Intermediate School. It was a wonderful day providing the opportunity for the community to come together to exercise, educate, and raise awareness about mental illness.

Mental illness does not discriminate. One in every five Americans will experience an episode of mental illness in their lifetime. Individuals with mental illness, like all of us, should be free from discrimination and stigma. Yet, most people believe mental illness is so stigmatizing that they would avoid seeking treatment for as long as possible. These illnesses are treatable.

Community generosity over the past two years has made it possible for us to raise over $40,000. These proceeds were returned directly to the community through a number of local programs that provide needed services to children and adults of the Plymouth Area who struggle with mental illness.

Our goals for the 5th Annual 5K Run / Walk are to increase the number of participants and the amount of monies raised. We will raise community awareness about the stigma of mental illness while providing for an occasion for clients, providers and the community to get together for a day of fun and exercise.