11th Annual “Healing Hearts” 5K Walk/Run for Suicide Prevention (May 8-15)

Submitted by the Event Organizer

Crisis Support Services of Alameda County (CSS) will host its 11th annual community event—Healing Hearts 5K Walk/Run for Suicide Prevention. This week-long, virtual walk/run event is an opportunity for community members to support suicide prevention and awareness, mental health awareness, community wellness, and the life-saving work of CSS.

The event is being held May 8th through May 15th. Participants sign up by visiting: http://www.crisissupport.org/healinghearts5Ksignup

There are many ways to participate in this event, and at any level, support and awareness is given to valuable suicide prevention and mental health programs and services that CSS continues to provide to people of all ages and backgrounds. An added bonus is the event is a great way to get out and commit to one’s own wellness. The fee is “Pay-What-You-Can” with a $35 recommended donation. All participants get to choose their own course, go at their own pace, and can opt in to share walk/run experiences and photos with other participants on the event’s community webpage. http://www.healinghearts5k/healinghearts5K

CSS has provided free 24-hour crisis intervention and suicide prevention services in Alameda County since 1966 serving over 50,000 clients a year. In addition to running the 24-hour crisis line, CSS provides a local crisis text line, support groups, counseling services for older adults and seniors, school-based counseling, grief counseling, and community education.

Now in its 2nd year as a virtual event, CSS’ 2021 Healing Hearts 5k Walk/Run for Suicide Prevention prioritizes the physical health of all of its participants during COVID which continues to impact the mental health of many community members in Alameda County, the Bay Area, and beyond. Last year’s first virtual event which occurred at the beginning of the pandemic, included hundreds of participants from all over the United States and even some participants from overseas.

CSS believes it is important that we all find ways to connect, to support each other, and to stay active no matter where we are. You can help in many ways including: Creating or joining a team, connecting on social media, or sharing a post to show support; Running or walking and posting it on social media and/or the event’s community web page or by supporting the event with a donation!

The 5K walk/run event strives to raise awareness of CSS’ free support services for children, youth, individuals, and families dealing with depression, mental illness, and suicide. For over a decade, we have seen this event take shape
as a place for families and friends who are grieving to come together and heal as a community.

For more information: events@crisissupport.org or call CSS Development Associate, Rich Gelber at 415-336-9942.

Disclaimer: Please double check event information with the event organizer as events can be canceled, details can change after they are added to our calendar, and errors do occur.