CLAYTON, N.C. – Next week, runners from across the state will be lacing up for the Strides for Mental Health 5K at the Municipal Park in Clayton on May 20.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, which is why the Johnston County Alumni of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority organized the event to bring awareness about mental health in Johnston County.
Telia Virgin, an organizer and president of the sorority, said this is the 11th year for the event and the proceeds will benefit House of Hope of North Carolina in Clayton.
“We don't just want to talk about mental health. We want to talk how it affects every facet of our lives,” Virgin said.
“We're excited about this event because this event is not only going to raise awareness, but it's going to support a great cause. So we look forward to people coming,” she said.
Community members like Dedrick Moone saw the cause and felt inspired to show support and fight the stigma surrounding mental health.
“It's personal for me because there's a stigma in the African American community about mental health. We often don't get the help that we need because of a lack of resources and also an unwillingness,” Moone said.
“I want to be a voice of the community and say, look, hey, I'm someone that suffers from mental health conditions," he said. "I went out and got the help that I need, and I continue to get the help that I need. And I want people to see themselves in me.”
After the race, there will be a health and wealth resource fair, a blood drive and more.
Registration is $25 per person for ages 13 and up, and $10 for those 12 and under.