A Race To Support the Whole Person

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In order to bring awareness on mental health and support “the whole person” including the emotional, mental and physical side of health, Madison YMCA is sponsoring “The Mind Matters 5K” on May 17th, 2017.

The theme for the race is “Mentally Healthy One Stride at a Time”, and proceeds from the race will go to benefit the Madison Area’s YMCA’s programs.

YMCA President and CEO Diane Mann told local news Madison Eagle explained that the purpose behind the annual event is to help fund families and children to enjoy and participate in YMCA membership, programming, and wellness services.

“As a cause-driven charitable organization, the Madison Area YMCA is dedicated to nurturing the potential of every child and teen, and improving the community’s health and well-being and ‘giving back’ by providing support to our neighbors,” Mann told Madison Eagle.

Mann went on to explain that there are many stigmas associated with mental illnesses and they are working to help lower those stigmas and reduce barriers to mental health through public awareness initiatives like the annual 5k.

For Latino children, mental health risks like suicide attempts are higher despite that they are less likely to be identified as suicidal and less likely to receive crisis intervention services compare to other minorities, studies show.

Opening doors to help children of all ethnicities have access to mental health screenings and allow openness to talk about mental health issues in family and caregiving settings may help increase necessary mental health interventions and lead to a healthier, more whole child.

Ensuring schools, families, and communities learn and work together with a focus on health for not just physical health but also mental health and emotional health can help empower and unite everyone for a healthier future.

To learn more about the registration for the 5K and how to get involved, visit www.madisonareaymca.org; or visit the YMCA Family Center’s Welcome Center at 111 Kings Road in Madison to register in person; or print the application form and mailing the completed form with a check payable to the Madison Area YMCA to: Madison Area YMCA, 111 Kings Road, Madison, N.J. 07940.

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Mental Health

By The Numbers By The Numbers

22

percent

of Latino youth have depressive symptoms, more than any other group besides Native American youth

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