WAUSAU, Wis. (WSAW) — On Sunday, a record turnout of community members laced up their walking or running shoes at Wausau West High School for the third annual Raise Your Voice Mental Health Awareness Walk/Run.
Wausau West High School’s grounds were filled with around 300 area residents, showing support and raising awareness around mental health.
“It’s really important that we get the community together to hope to end the stigma surrounding mental health,” said Haley Kerswill, advisor for Wausau West High School’s Raise Your Voice club. “We want to encourage having those conversations about mental health and just show that you’re not alone, and what better way to do it than by having a walk run and having the community come out and support.”
Organizers were thankful for the community’s support.
“I think it’s awesome that all these people are willing to spend their weekend advocating for mental health and reducing the stigma,” said Cal Heiden, the President of Wausau West High School’s Raise Your Voice Club.
Students, staff, families, and pets from around the community sported their best green attire.
“It just shows a lot that you’re never alone, and there are so many people that do actually care about you, even if you don’t think so,” said Erin Fehl, a Wausau West High School student who attended the walk.
Money raised from admissions and raffle baskets went to the participating Raise Your Voice clubs from D.C. Everest, Marathon, Wausau East and Wausau West High Schools. When registering online, participants could also donate to NAMI Northwoods, a non-profit organization that offers understanding and resources to people and families impacted by mental illness.
“I think it’s really important to talk about mental health because we don’t have all the resources that bigger cities would have,” said Heiden.
At the event, community members were also able to learn more about local resources at information booths.
“It’s really important for the youth because according to the US Department of [Health and Human] Services, approximately 49.5% of adolescents experience some sort of mental health issue in their lives,” said Gavin Merriam, a member of Wausau East High School’s Raise Your Voice club.
Heiden said the best thing you can do to advocate for mental health is to be a kind person and show appreciation for others.
“You are not alone, no matter what,” Merriam said. “There are people out there who can help you, there are resources in communities, at schools, there are teachers and staff for that, friends and family, there are people around you everywhere.”
You can donate to NAMI Northwoods on their website here.
May is Mental Health Awareness month. If you or a loved one needs help, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services has some resources available. You can call or text 988 to get help now, or visit 988lifeline.org to chat online.
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