BIG RAPIDS — The 2026 Walk-A-Mile event sponsored by New Journey Clubhouse and Community Mental Health is scheduled for 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., June 17 at The Bandshell at Hemlock Park in Big Rapids.
The theme of this year’s Walk-A-Mile is “You are enough.”
The annual event brings awareness to mental health issues and the stigma surrounding mental illness, and advocates for addressing the needs of those who deal with mental health issues.
This will be the organization’s 9th local Walk-A-Mile in our shoes event, which is done in coordination with the statewide Walk-A-Mile Event in Lansing in September.
The rally aims to highlight the need for increased funding for mental health services, raises awareness of behavioral health needs in health and policy discussions and works to banish behavioral health stigmas.
“Please join us for a mental health awareness event to reduce stigma and promote strength based recovery,” New Journey Clubhouse Director Sue Stewart said.
Stewart will give a brief presentation from 11:15 to 11:45 a.m., discussing the impact of the stigma surrounding those who seek help.
The presentation will define what stigma is and why it should be talked about it.
“More than half of the people living with a mental illness do not receive help for their disorders because stigma, prejudice and discrimination against people with mental illness is still very much a problem,” Stewart said previously.
She said that mental health is not just the absence of mental illness.
“Strong mental health supports a positive outlook on life and enables persons to accomplish goals, realize their potential, cope with stress, enjoy strong relationships and contribute to their communities,” she said. “We are proud to be a part of this great advocacy event to reduce stigma and promote recovery. We understand how important it is to address the stigma that prevents many from seeking the help they need.”
The walk will begin at 11:45, and will travel down Bellevue Street to State Street, turning left on State Street and traveling to Maple Street, then left from Maple onto Michigan Avenue and back to Hemlock Park.
For those wanting to make a shorter trip of it, turn left at Pine Street across from Crossroads Charter Academy, then go left onto Michigan Avenue and back to Hemlock Park.
Following the walk, a free lunch will be provided at 12:30 p.m. and participants will have the opportunity to speak with representatives from New Journey Clubhouse and visit with the other organizations on site.
Several community organizations will be on site to share information about their programs including:
For more information on the walk or to learn more about the programs available at New Journey Clubhouse, visit newjourneyclubhouse.org or call 231-592-4654.
