2024 E-Racing the Blues for Mental Health
Please join us for our two E-Racing the Blues Walks for Mental Health this year: September 21 at Glasgow Park, DE and September 28 at Rehoboth Beach Bandstand, DE. Both walks will feature a complimentary warm up training (Tai Chi in Rehoboth and light yoga in Newark), refreshments, t-shirts, raffle prizes, exhibitors, and crafts for kids. Children under 12 are free, so please bring the whole family and walk with us!
All proceeds from the event will go towards funding the numerous programs we offer at no cost to those struggling with their mental health in our communities. If we can save or improve just one life, we have fulfilled our mission to strengthen knowledge, resources and support around mental health and recovery. Please visit www.eracingtheblues.org to sign up, donate and/or to create a team. Last year we had 6 teams, 150 participants and raised $33,855 through sponsorships, individual donors and participant fees. Funds from our events, donors, sponsors and state partners helped us to provide the following in 2023:
Provided suicide prevention training to 3,155 people, gave other mental health presentations to 1,037 people and reached over 8,000 with awareness resources through health fairs and tabling events.
During the year, 327 people experiencing depression or an anxiety disorder, or loss of a loved one to suicide, attended one of our support groups, either virtually or in person.
MHA facilitated 16 Mental Health First Aid Trainings, 53 Lifelines presentations (adults and youth), 10 two-day Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST), and 19 Question, Persuade, Refer Trainings.
Coordinated National Depression Screening Day, with 13 different screenings for mental health disorders including depression, anxiety, and addiction. Screenings were available for free on our website, as well as in person throughout the state. 131 people were screened in person and provided information about how to obtain treatment.
Provided peer-focused training to over 250 people with lived experience with mental health and/or substance use disorders, through programs including the 50-hour Delaware Peer Certification Training course as well as continuing education offerings and an annual summit.
Offered 3 community mental health conferences at no charge on a variety of mental health related topics.
Provided over 1000 services each month to clients of the mental health court, including mentorship; transportation to probation, treatment and more; and assistance with food, clothing, employment and housing.
One of the best ways to beat the blues is to get outdoors and walk. It can not only take your mind of your troubles, but there is plenty of evidence to show that walking stimulates both sides of the brain to help boost mood. Of course, there is the added perk of burning calories too, and if you walk with a buddy or in a group, that added social component also elevates mood. Mild exercise gets the blood flowing, delivering more oxygen to brain cells, which will make you feel more mentally alert and alive. Hope to see you there!!
Staff Blogger: Roberta Fishgold
Roberta has a long work history with MHA after a career in the corporate world of Human Resources Management in NYC. She is enjoying the time with her MHA family, being able to have an impact on mental health awareness in addition to watching the agency evolve through the years. Her hobbies are cooking, baking and collecting inspirational quotes (which are hung all over her office)!