11th Annual Race for Recovery 5K Run/Walk Sept. 25 at Indian River State College Pruitt Campus

Non-profit seeks to shed light on overdose awareness and suicide prevention

New Horizons of the Treasure Coast and Okeechobee is honored to host the 11th Annual Race for Recovery 5K Run/Walk and 1 Mile Walk on Saturday, September 25 at 7:00 a.m., at Indian River State College Pruitt Campus in Port St. Lucie.  The race is being presented by perennial sponsor HealthCite Pharmacy, with additional sponsorship opportunities available.

Registration for the race is $30 and includes a technical shirt sponsored by New Horizons Board Director and mental health advocate Mary Baysinger, a participation medal, continental breakfast, entertainment, and everyone’s favorite: swag!  There will be energetic music to keep the racers moving with timing by MCM Timers for those looking to beat their race p.r. (personal record).

Continuing with CDC guidelines for in-person events, participants are encouraged to race safely and abide by posted protocols for race day and packet pick up.  “We are so excited to offer the race as in years past, but we also encourage everyone who is attending to stay safe and be healthy,” said Baysinger.  “We want people to run with their friends and running groups.  This comradery in the community is exactly what we all need right now.”

 Proceeds support mental health and addiction recovery services for 15,000 children and adults at New Horizons inpatient and outpatient facilities across the Treasure Coast and in Okeechobee.

New Horizons is the largest mental health and substance abuse agency in the region, with nine offices across four counties. Since covid, 67% of New Horizons clients have no source of income or any insurance, yet no one is turned away due to lack of financial resources.

“It’s a true testament of the dedication to our community that hundreds of participants share this event with us,” said New Horizons CEO William Wims.  “Covid has certainly impacted the number of people dealing with loss, social isolation and financial uncertainty, which results in increased need for mental health services. New Horizons is eager to remind the communities we serve that we’re here for them.”

Suicide is the second leading cause of death in the U.S. among young people ages 10- to 34-years-old. It is in the top 10 ten leading causes of death among all adults. Suicide is the only cause of death that is 100% preventable.  The percent increase in accidental drug deaths in the regional from 2019 to 2020 was a staggering 49.6% (184 in 2020 versus 123 in 2019).  The increase in suicide deaths in 2021 alone suggests a similar trend.  Sadly, for every completed suicide, 25 more have been attempted. Nationally in 2020, there were 130 suicides a day, according to the AFSP (American Foundation for Suicide Prevention).

By reaching out to the community with education, support and services that are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, New Horizons strives to prevent another suicide by being a part of the healing process.

In addition to participating in the run/walk, sponsoring the race is an excellent way to show the community you endorse essential mental health services. Sponsors receive race registrations, logo placement, website and social media recognition, and more.  In addition to the aforementioned sponsors, special thanks to Hoskins Turco Lloyd and Lloyd, Harry Shaw and the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office for their ongoing support.

To learn more or register for the race, please visit www.nhtcinc.org/events, call (772) 696-2729, or go to https://runsignup.com/Race/FL/PortStLucie/NewHorizons11thAnnualRaceforRecovery.