‘Stomp Out Stigma’ 5K walk held in Grand Rapids for mental health awareness

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — The Grand Rapids community came together on Saturday morning to march for mental health awareness. 

The Stomp Out Stigma 5K Walk for Mental Health was hosted by the Mental Health Foundation of West Michigan and began at 9:30 a.m. at Grand Valley State University’s Seward Parking Lot. 

Held during Mental Health Awareness Month, the walk aimed to raise awareness and funds for the foundation’s flagship program “be nice,” a mental health and suicide prevention program.  

“It feels so good, and it’s probably one of my favorite events that we do,” said Christy Buck, executive director of the Mental Health Foundation of West Michigan. “It really brings families together and I’m so proud of parents when they bring their kids out for awareness of any type of event. And walks are the best way to do it.” 

The event featured the group walk as well as mental health resources and opportunities to connect, reflect and advocate for one another. 

There was a large crowd despite the rainy weather on Saturday, which Buck said was symbolic of the event’s message. 

“People who struggle with mental illness have to weather so many storms, so it just makes sense that we’re all here together. Follow up that storm and bring in the sun,” she said. 

The free walk invited participants to form teams and fundraise for mental health advocacy. 

All proceeds from the walk go towards expanding the reach of the be nice. action plan, which is a four-step tool that helps people notice signs of mental health struggle, invite conversation, challenge stigma and empower others to get help.

So far, more than $88,000 has been raised of the $100,000 goal. 

Buck said although the awareness garnered by today’s event was important, it’s something that needs to continue year-round. 

“Today is just a walk. We have 365 days a year we need to be talking about mental health, mental health challenges, and ultimately, mental illness, and make sure that we know how we can help an individual when they might be struggling,” Buck said. 

Supporters can take the free be nice. action plan training online at benice.org/pledge.