Heppe Chiropractic 15k: A Community United for Mental Health
In a remarkable display of community spirit and collaboration, the Heppe Chiropractic 15k event brought together over 100 participants to raise awareness and funds for Mental Health America of Fredericksburg (MHAfred). The event, which saw runners tackling a challenging 9-mile course, was an outstanding success, raising $6,250 for our cause.
Collaboration with Local Favorites
The success of the event was bolstered by the enthusiastic participation of local businesses. Cider Lab and Mason Dixon Cafe joined forces with Heppe Chiropractic to lend their support, showcasing the power of community partnership. Their involvement not only provided essential resources but also highlighted the community’s commitment to supporting mental health initiatives.
A Day of Support and Solidarity
Alicia Kindred, representing MHAfred, was present to witness the incredible turnout and the unwavering support from the participants. The atmosphere was electric, filled with excitement, determination, and a sense of camaraderie. Volunteers played a crucial role, offering encouragement and hydration to runners, ensuring everyone felt supported throughout the race.
Emphasizing Mental Health Awareness
Beyond the impressive funds raised, the Heppe Chiropractic 15k served as a vital platform to promote mental health awareness. The event underscored the importance of accessible mental health resources and the need to prioritize mental well-being within the community. Each runner’s effort and every dollar raised contributed to the mission of making mental health support more available to those in need.
Celebrating Achievements and Impact
After crossing the finish line, participants and supporters gathered to celebrate their achievements. The sense of accomplishment was palpable, as was the recognition of the positive impact their contributions would have. The day exemplified the strength of community, collaboration, and a shared dedication to making a difference.
Looking Ahead
The success of the Heppe Chiropractic 15k is a testament to what can be achieved when a community comes together for a common cause. It serves as a powerful reminder that through collective efforts and unwavering support, we can build a future where mental health and well-being are prioritized and accessible to all.
Join us in continuing this important conversation and supporting initiatives that promote mental health awareness in our community. Together, we can make a lasting difference.
If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, crisis, or need immediate assistance, please call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988. To reach a volunteer crisis counselor through the Crisis Text Line, text HOME to 741741.
To find mental health providers that are tailored to your needs, visit MHAfred HELPLINE to search our online database of providers or call us at (540) 371-2704.
June is Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month
Mental Health America of Fredericksburg wants to take this opportunity to remind our community that seeking help is not a sign of weakness, but an act of courage. Depression is a complex mental health condition that affects over 6 million men in the United States. Despite its prevalence, many men often hesitate to seek help due to the stigma associated with mental health challenges.
Disclaimer: The following blog post includes topics of depression, anxiety, and suicide for informational purposes only. If you or a loved one is experiencing a mental health crisis, please call or text 988. For help finding mental health providers in the Fredericksburg region, call us at (540) 371-2704 or visit our online provider resource database at www.mhafred/helpline/.
Men & Seeking Help
Due to stigma surrounding mental health challenges, men are less likely to seek help than women. This stigma can include, but is not limited to societal norms, hesitancy to communicate, and minimizing symptoms. When men describe their symptoms, they are more likely to state they’re feeling tired, or losing interest in hobbies. They are less likely to report the more commonly recognized emotional symptoms. This can make it challenging for them to identify their own mental health struggles and to seek appropriate support.
Why is Men’s Mental Health Awareness Important?
Every year, over 6 million men suffer from depression. Over 3 million men have a panic disorder and/or phobia associated with anxiety. As stated above, men are less likely to seek help for mental health challenges and this is having a negative impact on the community. In 2010, 79% of people who died of suicide were identified as being men. Furthermore, men died of suicide at a rate of 4 times more than women.
With these numbers on the rise every year, it is imperative that mental health advocates in our communities draw attention to these rising numbers.
Men’s Mental Health & the LGBTQ+ Community
It is important to recognize that depression does not discriminate; it affects individuals regardless of their age, gender, or background.
The most reported causes of depression in homosexual men are prejudiced incidents, fear of rejection and discrimination, hiding one’s identity, and internalized homophobia. At Mental Health America of Fredericksburg, we are actively working in our community to break these stigmas by participating in FXBG Pride.
Help Us Break the Stigma
Addressing men’s mental health challenges isn’t limited to one month. Reducing the stigma surrounding men’s mental health can make it easier to reach out and receive the help needed to improve the quality of life for men in our community.
Our goal is to foster a supportive environment and provide accessible resources for everyone. Together, we can make strides in ensuring that those affected by depression, anxiety, and other mental health challenges receive the care and understanding they need.
Follow along with Mental Health America of Fredericksburg as we work in the community to break the stigma of mental health challenges!
Empowering People: The Community Foundation & The Spark Mill
Mental Health America of Fredericksburg, or MHAfred, had the good fortune to take part in The Community Foundation’s Strategic Planning cohort that was led by The Spark Mill. Over the course of four months, the team met four times. These sessions were commonly four to five hours long, ensuring all information was carefully reviewed. Every meeting had a distinct goal that incorporated feedback from the MHAfred board, in addition to the staff.
Who is The Community Foundation?
The Community Foundation makes giving easy. People can contribute to The Community Foundation, which efficiently channels resources to benefit the community. They have many ways to give and contribute. Such as, Youth in Philanthropy, The Women & Girls Fund, The Community Relief Fund, and more! Building relationships in the community allows us to expand our reach to the people who need it most.
Who is The Spark Mill?
The Spark Mill operates as a consulting firm, specializing in tailored solutions with meticulous attention to detail. They are excellent in cost-effective planning methods that enable organizations to reach their goals and accomplish long-term success. As stated by The Spark Mill,
“We see our role as a guide in a collaborative process, where together we walk through your dreams and visions and turn them into reality.”
What are the next steps?
Together, we began outlining our vision and working with stakeholders to acquire some external data about how Mental Health America of Fredericksburg impacts the community. After that, we set out to gather some internal information so that we could start formulating our strategy to expand the programs offered by Mental Health America of Fredericksburg. We asked questions, got answers, and began implementing our plan to embed MHAfred deeper into the community.
At Mental Health America of Fredericksburg, we cannot wait to achieve our goal of helping more people in the community who require access to behavioral healthcare. We will accomplish this by expanding our outreach, strengthening our community connections, adding more providers to our MHAfred HELPLINE database, and offering peer support services.
Follow MHAfred’s Journey by following us on Facebook & Instagram!
Visit our website to learn about upcoming events!
“Julia Melton: You Are Not Your Diagnosis.”
Julia Melton, United States of America’s Mrs. Southeast, stopped by the MHAfred home office to share her story. The staff quickly saw how she stands out as a beacon of hope and resilience in a world where mental health battles often remain behind closed doors. As United States of America’s Mrs. Southeast, she is using her platform to spread awareness and end the stigma.
Julia carries a powerful message on her advocacy journey, “You are not your diagnosis, and you are more than the stigma of the mental health battle you are facing.” The United States of America’s Mrs. Southeast is using her platform to make a difference.
The Struggle Within
The journey of USOA Mrs. Southeast has not been an easy one. Julia has personally navigated the complexities that come along with mental health challenges. Her journey has ignited her passion to end the stigma that surrounds mental health.
Julia Melton shares her mental health journey openly, honestly, and candidly on her blog, The Eagles View – The Jewl of the Burg.
Partnering with Mental Health America of Fredericksburg
The United States of America’s Mrs. Southeast is committed to spreading awareness beyond her own healing. This year, she is partnering with Mental Health America of Fredericksburg, an affiliate of Mental Health America.
Our nonprofit is dedicated to promoting mental wellness, providing resources through community-based programs, and eradicating the stigma associated with mental health conditions. Together, we aim to create a more compassionate and understanding community; a community where seeking help is not a sign of weakness, but an act of courage.
Join USOA Mrs. Southeast & Mental Health America of Fredericksburg!
The United States of America’s Mrs. Southeast, Julia Melton, is currently campaigning for the title of United States of America’s Mrs. 2024. If you are interested in helping spread the message of destigmatizing the label of mental health diagnoses, consider donating or becoming a sponsor today! Together, we can raise awareness and advocate for mental health awareness.
Become a Sponsor – The Jewl of the Burg
MHAfred’s partnership with the United States of America’s Mrs. Southeast is an example of the power of working together towards a common goal. Follow along as USOA Mrs. Southeast and MHAfred use teamwork to break through the stigma of mental health diagnoses. Follow the journey of USOA Mrs. Southeast, Julia Melton:
Instagram: USOA Mrs. Southeast | Julia Melton (@usoamrssoutheast) • Instagram photos and videos
Facebook: USOA Mrs. Southeast | Facebook
Website: The Jewl of the Burg
If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, crisis, or need immediate assistance, please call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988. To reach a volunteer crisis counselor through the Crisis Text Line, text HOME to 741741.
To find mental health providers that are tailored to your needs, visit MHAfred HELPLINE to search our online database of providers or call us at (540) 371-2704.
Thank You to Our Sponsors!
Thank you to our sponsors of the 17th Annual Walk for Mental Wellness!
SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR PLATINUM SPONSORS
GOLD SPONSORS
SILVER SPONSORS
BRONZE SPONSORS
IN-KIND SPONSORS
SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR PLATINUM SPONSORS
GOLD SPONSORS
SILVER SPONSORS
BRONZE SPONSORS
IN-KIND SPONSORS
SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR PLATINUM SPONSORS
GOLD SPONSORS
SILVER SPONSORS
BRONZE SPONSORS
IN-KIND SPONSORS
