Braintree Residents Join Hundreds in Raising Addiction, Mental Illness Awareness

From Interfaith Social Services:

The streets of Quincy were full of walkers and runners on Saturday, April 30 as part of Interfaith Social Services' 42nd annual South Shore Walk and 5K Race. Hundreds turned out in a huge show of support to challenge stereotypes and eliminate the stigma associated with mental illness and addiction. This is the first year that the entire focus of the event was aimed at raising awareness about these issues.

“We’ve been hosting this walkathon for over four decades,” said Interfaith’s executive director, Rick Doane. “The purpose has always been to raise awareness about the various needs that exist in our community which Interfaith’s programs address: hunger, poverty and mental health. However, this year, we decided to focus the entire event around one very important issue. Nearly everyone in our community knows someone who has been affected by mental illness or addiction. There are cancer walks and hunger walks; people talk openly about these issues and maladies. Why not mental illness? One in five adults in America experience mental illness every year. Millions are suffering, yet people don’t discuss it openly. That is why we decided to focus our event around this concern.”

This revised focus was well received by the public. This year Interfaith saw a 30 percent increase in the number of walkers and runners participating in the event.

“It has been amazing to see how our community has embraced this call to action,” said Doane. “People have rallied to support their loved ones affected by mental illness and addiction. In addition to awareness, this event raised over $26,000 to help those who otherwise couldn’t afford the counseling that they so desperately need.”

Interfaith’s walkathon has become an annual tradition for many South Shore residents. Some participants have been doing it every year for forty years.

“Multiple generations of families come out each year for this Walkathon and 5K,” said Doane. “Interfaith’s staff and volunteers work hard to keep the event fun and fresh each year so that people keep coming back to raise awareness for their neighbors in need.”

In addition to the walk and 5K, Interfaith hosts a Family Fun Celebration as part of the festivities. Activities included: kids’ games, face painting, music, raffles and much more. Stars on Hingham Harbor donated sandwich wraps for all of the participants and New England Ice Cream donated frozen treats for the hundreds of walkers and runners.

“Changing the event’s focus has been a rallying call. The feedback and support that we received from the community has been incredible,” said Doane. “The Arbella Insurance Foundation and Boston Medical Center HealthNet Plan were both platinum level sponsors. It is thrilling to see such a strong sense of investment from everyone. This outpouring of support shows our community that we are committed to helping our loved ones in need. No one should be ashamed about a diagnosis.”