Fort Pierce - Sunday September 18, 2022: New Horizons of the Treasure Coast and Okeechobee has announced that the 12th Annual Race for Recovery 5K Run/Walk and 1-Mile Walk on Saturday, September 24 at Indian River State College Pruitt Campus.
“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.
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 September 24 is at 6:30 am, and the race starts at 7:30 am. Sponsorships are still available. Proceeds will help support mental health and substance use recovery programs in St. Lucie County. This year’s Race for Recovery is presented by Healthcite Pharmacy.
Strollers are welcome at this family-friendly event which will feature ribbons for all participants, goodie bags for the first 200 registrants, medals for top finishers, and restaurant gift cards to first place winners in multiple categories, as well as music, singing and dry-fit T-shirts. Natalie’s OJ and Panera’s Bread are providing a continental breakfast.
The event also provides a safe place to open a discussion on suicide prevention, and the Race helps end the stigma that prevents people from accessing mental health care.
Suicide is one of the leading causes of death in the US and 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.
Photo:
The Jannu Family and Team Healthcite Pharmacy cross the finish line together at the 11th annual Race for Recovery.