Race for Recovery promotes unity in the community

Mental health agency raises awareness about suicide prevention

Posted 8/31/22

A perennial favorite of local runners and walkers, the event features ribbons for all participants...

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Race for Recovery promotes unity in the community

Mental health agency raises awareness about suicide prevention

Posted

FORT PIERCE — New Horizons of the Treasure Coast and Okeechobee is delighted to announce the 12th Annual Race for Recovery 5K Run/Walk and 1-Mile Walk on Saturday, Sept. 24 at Indian River State College Pruitt Campus. This family-friendly event (strollers are welcome) is loads of fun and includes lots of goodies.

This year’s event is presented by Healthcite Pharmacy with proceeds supporting mental health and substance use recovery programs in St. Lucie County.

A perennial favorite of local runners and walkers, the event features ribbons for all participants, medals for top finishers, and restaurant gift cards to first place winners in multiple categories. There’s also a beautiful continental breakfast – thanks to Natalie’s OJ and Panera’s Bread – and goodie bags with all kinds of surprises for the first 200 registrations, as well as music, singing and awesome dry-fit T-shirts.

“New Horizons looks forward to this event all year, because it brings together groups of alumni, staff, students from local schools who volunteer, and the individuals and businesses that support mental health in our community,” said William Wims, CEO of the nonprofit organization.

This uplifting and joyous early morning gathering provides a safe place to open a discussion on suicide prevention, and helps to end the stigma that prevents people from accessing mental health care.

Suicide is one of the leading causes of death in the U.S. begining at age 10, but it is the only cause of death that is 100% preventable. In 2021, there were 140 suicides in the four-county region, a 24% increase over 2020. This year, the number of suicides are about the same, with 86 suicides reported by the medical examiners office as of mid-August.

“We want people to know that help is available and we really care,” said Wims. “We have a wide range of programs for children and adults in need of quality, compassionate care. Everyone needs mental health support at some time in their life, whether from friends, family, groups or professionals. Please don’t hesitate to reach out and call us at 772-468-3909.”

New Horizons is the largest mental health and substance use recovery provider in the region, with nine outpatient offices across St. Lucie, Martin, Indian River and Okeechobee counties. The agency also offers inpatient programs, including alcohol/drug detox, 28-day drug/alcohol rehabilitation, adult crisis stabilization, children’s crisis stabilization, and an adult group home.

Established in 1958, New Horizons serves on average 15,000 adults and children (ages 4-18) annually. The agency also provides drug/alcohol prevention programs and anti-bullying curricula to 23,000 students K-12 across the Treasure Coast and Okeechobee. Since covid, almost 70% of New Horizons clients have no source of income or any insurance, yet no one is turned away due to lack of financial resources.

Registration for Race for Recovery is only $35 at www.nhtcinc.org/events,
https://runsignup.com/Race/Register/?raceId=114269 or by calling 772-672-8333. Check in on Sept. 24 is at 6:30 a.m, and the race starts at 7:30 a.m. Sponsorships are still available.

Race for Recovery, 5K Run, walk, new horizons, mental health

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