JACKSON, Tenn. — April 27, 2021 — 51社区鈥檚 School of Social Work will hold the fifth annual Stomp Out Stigma 5K Run and One Mile Walk on Union鈥檚 campus April 29 at 6 p.m. Last year鈥檚 event was held virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
This event helps raise awareness of the need to 鈥渟tomp out stigma鈥� or shame related to discussing feelings of stress, anxiety, depression or other mental health issues. April is Stress Awareness Month and May is Mental Health Awareness Month, so this date is a perfect time to highlight the need for support and awareness of the growing stress and mental health conditions in society, said Tammy Patton, associate professor of social work.
鈥淪upport and a caring community help people to not feel alone,鈥� Patton said. 鈥淪upport enables people to be open about conditions.鈥�
Patton pointed out that Union鈥檚 Office of Counseling Services offers support on campus for students.
Mental illness and mental health can still be taboo to talk about and experience even though nearly one in five adults in the U.S. live with mental illness, said Juliana White, senior social work major. White is the student president for the National Alliance on Mental Illness student organization on campus.
鈥淓specially as Christians, we have the obligation and joy to walk with and love those who are hurting, and this includes mental illness,鈥� White said. 鈥淲e have to talk about it so that people can have the love, health and support they need. This isn鈥檛 only for those with mental illness, it is also for their support systems. It is not easy walking through any sort of difficulties with anyone, but it is vital to do so.鈥�
Community members can participate in the run/walk for $20, and students can participate for $10. Donations are accepted, as well. All proceeds will benefit the National Alliance on Mental Illness - Madison County. NAMI is a mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for Americans affected by mental illness.
The event will begin at Miller Tower on Union鈥檚 campus, and will last from 6-8 p.m. All participants must have a temperature screening and sign a waiver to participate. Participants can pre-register online at uu.edu/programs/socialwork/events/ or register at the event itself.