City joins race for mental health

Married couples with children in strollers joined elderly singles in wheelchairs at the starting line of Sunday morning's second annual Walk/Run for Better Mental Health. The event, which drew a crowd of more than 1,000 people to the Philadelphia Museum of Art, was officiated by Philadelphia Mayor Ed Rendell. KYW News Anchor Larry Kane served as guest announcer for the race. Proceeds from the $15 registration fees for both the five-kilometer run/walk and the one-mile fun walk, -- as well as donations from various sponsors -- went to the Mental Health Association of Southeastern Pennsylvania. According to Nancy Salazar of the Mental Health Association, the 44-year-old organization primarily attempts to publicize the plight of the mentally ill homeless. The group also tries to inform the homeless about where they can get aid and improve mental health insurance coverage. Much of the money earned from the run will go to Project Connect, which is located in Darby, Pa., a few miles west of the University. Most of the employees of Project Connect have experienced either mental illness or homelessness. The program is founded upon the belief that "people living with mental illness and homelessness can achieve community once they get a leg up and start moving forward in their lives," according to Joe Yaskin, spokesperson for the Mental Health Association. To this effect, Project Connect seeks housing and vocational training for its participants while also addressing their mental health needs. Therefore, the run was as much about "celebrating mental health and the importance of mental health care" as having a good time, Yaskin added. The numerous information booths concentrated in the registration area highlighted this goal, offering advice about programs aimed at treating mental health disorders such as manic depression and details about the disorders themselves. Nursing sophomore Elizabeth Conboy called the run "inspiring." And Nursing senior Becky Simon praised the information booths which she said provided "lots of information about different diseases and working with patients." Although many Penn students participated in the walk, as well as the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania manning a table in the information section, Yaskin said he hopes to involve more fraternities and sororities in next year's event. Entertainment was provided by several clowns, the Philly Phanatic, assorted musicians and even Ben Franklin. Refreshments, water and T-shirts were also provided for the runners.