Electronic Fall 2024 | Issue 60

A Walk in the Park: IPS Participates in Annual Moore Equity in Mental Health 5K

Intro written by: Adrienne Adams, MD, MS, DFAPA, DFAACAP, DFASAM
Co-Chair HEAR-C, President Elect-IPS

The APA Moore 5K just completed its fourth annual charity walk, roll, run and IPS’s official third annual statewide walk. Some get caught up in the excitement of raising money or participating in a 5K within their communities, or achieving their personal best, but for all it is the Moore Equity in Mental Health initiative established by the APA to commemorate the Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health awareness month which is observed during the month of July since 2008. During this month, the APA Foundation provides community events that promote mental health equity in BIPOC youth.

As Co-Chair for the Health Equity Anti-Racism Committee (HEAR-C), we have encouraged participation in the 5K Moore Equity Walk for the last 3 years as one of our sponsored activities. This year we had our six teams, our first group based in Chicago and our other five teams in surrounding Chicagoland and cities below highway 80. 

See below to hear from group leaders for each of the six IPS designated locations:

Rockford/Western Suburbs: (written by Dr. Adrienne Adams)

I have been team captain for the Western Suburbs team for the last 3 years where all are welcomed including our four-legged friends. I always look forward each year to this event both for the sense of community and inclusion knowing across the nation other district branches are participating in honor of this worthy cause.

Peoria: (written by Dr. Alaa Hajeissa)

My group met at the Peoria Forest Park Nature Center, a beautiful forest reserve, and spent our time hiking through the winding paths talking about our experiences in medicine and the kinds of resources the IPS has to offer. It was tons of fun, a great bonding experience, a wonderful excuse to get some exercise, and definitely something I'm looking forward to doing next year!

Evanston/North Suburbs: (written by Eliza Hofman)

Evanston's team was small but mighty this year! We met at the beautiful lakefront in Evanston and strolled and rolled northbound, enjoying the sunshine and water views. We were lucky to have three kiddos in the group, and they kept us moving! All in all, a great way to spend a Saturday morning for a good cause.

Springfield: (written by Dr. Kalyan Kandra)

Being the group leader for the Moore Equity in Mental Health 5K for the Springfield area was a very rewarding experience. Organizing and participating in the event not only contributed to a worthy cause but also provided a unique opportunity to engage with my community on an important issue. Explaining the significance of mental health to my young son during the event was a deeply enriching experience. It was heartening to see him grasp the value of compassion, equitable care and advocacy from such a young age, reinforcing the importance of mental health awareness for future generations.

Chicago: (written by Dr. Sudhakar Shenoy)

The Chicago team met for a meet-and-greet at 9 AM at the beautiful Millenium Park, at the Cloud Gate aka "Bean". We took a group picture as well, and started at 9:30 AM. We covered historic landmarks including the Magnificent Mile/Michigan Avenue, the Art Institute of Chicago, Buckingham Fountain, Shedd Aquarium, Adler Planetarium, and various sights and sounds along the way. Our IPS's Executive Director Kristen Malloy joined us as well. We also had resident trainees, Early Career Psychiatrists and medical students. We had great conversations including Kristen telling the residents and students about IPS and its activities. It was a beautiful day out, and on our way back we chose to walk on the famous Lakeshore Trail. The group took pictures along the way. We ended with a sense of fulfillment that we had participated in improving psychiatric services and access to young people of color facing inequities.

Champaign: (written by Dr. Arden Barnett)

Since its inception, community members in Champaign have supported the Moore Equity in Mental Health 5K. This year was no exception as we walked to once again support this great cause. We all look forward to participating next year with others in our community too. Our participants, who raised almost 400 dollars this year, are pictured. From left to right are Ashley Cosby, Whitney Steele, Arden Barnett, Angi Peglow, Andrea Moss, and taking the photograph is Eugenia Reeves.