Michael Gordian Chief Financial Officer | Maria Parham Health
Michael Gordian Chief Financial Officer | Maria Parham Health
In May, Maria Parham Franklin, along with the MPF Behavioral Health team, will observe National Mental Health Awareness Month through a series of community-focused events. Their initiative, "Stomp the Stigma," aims to tackle the stigma associated with mental health and promote the importance of seeking help.
Scheduled for Saturday, May 31, 2025, the day will feature three races designed to unify the community and highlight mental wellness. The 5K Run/Walk will commence at 9:00 a.m. Participants will traverse a route starting and ending at Maria Parham Franklin, which will pass through downtown Louisburg. The race welcomes individuals of all skill levels who wish to participate in support of mental health awareness.
Following this, a 1-Mile Family Fun Run/Walk at 9:30 a.m. offers a relaxed environment suitable for families and participants of all ages to join in. This event emphasizes fun and inclusivity in backing the cause.
At 10:00 a.m., a Kids’ Dash will occur on the hospital grounds, providing a short and engaging activity for children to partake in mental health awareness efforts.
Participants registered at least two weeks before the event will receive an event t-shirt and a swag bag. The top performers of the 5K race—specifically, the top 3 males and top 3 females—will be awarded medals. In addition, the first 100 finishers of the 5K will also be recognized with medals.
The events are open for registration at runsignup.com/Race/NC/Louisburg/StompTheStigmaK.
Highlighting the importance of the event, Bert Beard, CEO of Maria Parham Health stated, “We are excited to host these events as part of our ongoing commitment to raising awareness about mental health and encouraging people to prioritize their well-being. Stigma around mental health can prevent people from seeking the help they need, and our goal is to help change that through these fun and meaningful events.”
The event encourages community involvement through participation, volunteering, or showing support for the cause. The initiative underlines the message that seeking help for mental health is not only acceptable but encouraged.
Maria Parham Franklin aims through this gathering to provide a supportive environment and contribute to the normalization of mental health discussions and help-seeking behaviors.
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