Last Thursday, at 3:30 p.m., the island’s first, “Making Strides for Mental Health,” 5k walk or run was held. The run was created by my mentor, John Tarbox, the Block Island School’s gym teacher, and myself, for my senior project to help raise money for NAMI Block Island, a non-profit organization that advocates and informs about mental health services. I decided to create a community race to support my research on exercise and its role on an individual’s mental health.“Our goals are consistent with NAMI’s national goals: to educate, advocate for services, fight stigma, and support those suffering with mental illness through support groups and other treatment options,” President of NAMI Block Island, Will Young, said. “Two of our primary goals are to advocate for behavioral health services and educate people about mental illness through awareness. By putting on the run and having information about where to get treatment you are assisting with both of these goals.”The course started at the Block Island School, continued down Payne Road, then went left on Mohegan Trail, then another left up Pilot Hill Road back down to the school. Special education teacher, Micheal O’Brien was at the finish line capturing everyone’s
