Heroes in Recovery, a national movement celebrating the heroic efforts of those who seek addiction and mental health treatment, is returning to Palm Springs for their sixth annual 6K run/walk. The race is a 6K, not a 5K, which not only represents the six letters in the word “Heroes,” but also symbolizes the extra distance people in recovery go to achieve a healthier lifestyle. Heroes in Recovery was ignited by Foundations Recovery Network (FRN), a family of treatment centers, which includes inpatient and outpatient treatment centers located in the southern California area.
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 23 million people needed treatment last year, yet only 3 million sought help. Ten million Americans did not receive needed mental health care. The stigma associated with substance abuse and mental health disorders creates a significant barrier to individuals and families seeking help.
Heroes in Recovery is a grassroots movement intended to remove the social stigma associated with people who are in recovery, to recognize the heroic effort it takes to overcome the obstacles in seeking help, and to celebrate the act of preventing the past from kidnapping the future. While the movement initially focuses on persons recovering from addictive behavior, it is meant also to recognize heroes recovering from many other types of disorders and trauma that can feed or manifest from an addiction.
The Heroes in Recovery 6K races serve as an educational tool for the community as well as a reminder to individuals that while they are on a personal journey of recovery, many others are on that road with them.
The Heroes race in Palm Springs will also benefit local charity SafeHouse of the Desert which is the only 24/7 non-profit shelter in the Coachella Valley for youth in crisis. Together with community support, they provide emergency shelter, intervention, outreach services and a substance abuse program for teens.
“It is an honor for SafeHouse of the Desert to partner with Heroes in Recovery to bring this great event to Palm Springs,” said Mary Battin, Sustainability Officer for SafeHouse of the Desert. “We hope our local community will join us on race day to celebrate recovery, increase awareness and enjoy the outdoors. Together, we can help break the stigma surrounding addiction and create a safe, encouraging environment for those in need.”
The Heroes 6K will be held on Saturday, February 4 at 8:00am in The Corridor in Palm Springs. The race starts and finishes in the center courtyard of The Corridor and takes participants on a 6K (3.728-mile) road course through beautiful neighborhoods with mountain views. All registered participants will each receive a race shirt and finisher’s medal. This is a family friendly event and will include post-race food, entertainment, cash prizes for placers, and raffles for participants and spectators.
Early registration is $35 and the day-of-race fee is $40. Please use promo code DESERTHEALTH to save $6 off your registration. For more information and to register for the event go to: www.heroes6K.com.
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