Amy Collins,of Somers, to Co-Chair MHA on the move 5K Run/Walk & 1-Mile Kids’ Race

Deciding to run in The Mental Health Association of Westchester’s 5K was big for Somers’ Amy Collins. Collins, who has panic and anxiety issues, typically avoided heart-pumping exercise which often triggered a panic response. After years of learning how to manage and understand the symptoms, she made a commitment to a training regimen and registered for the race last May. There were bumps and setbacks along the way, but Collins describes crossing the finish line as one of the most triumphant moments of her life.

This year, Collins is a co-chair for the event, MHA on the move 5K Run/Walk & 1-Mile Kids’ Race, which takes place on Sunday, May 4 at 8am at FDR State Park in Yorktown Heights, NY. The event offers a very public way to raise awareness and come together to support mental health, a cause very important to Collins. As Amy says, “Whether you run or walk or volunteer, your participation helps make mental health services more accessible to community members who need it most.” With the data now showing that 1 in 5 live with a mental health condition, more effective help and better resources are essential.

The event is inspiring, fun and family-friendly. Eight-time Emmy winner, WCBS’s Lou Young will kick off the event along with Amy and her fellow co-chairs, Randi Silverman, of Dobbs Ferry and Ann Mandel Laitman, MD, of Bedford.

Children get their own fun warm-up and 1-Mile Kids’ Race (ages 4-12) plus ribbons for each runner and medals for the top three girls and boys. All participants receive a free t-shirt. Runners enjoy a race timed by the Taconic Road Runners with medals awarded in each age category as well as overall top male/female. Walkers get a 5K walk in the park.  Parking is free.  For more information and to register, visit www.mhawestchester.org

MHA is a community-based mental health agency that has been helping Westchester County residents for 68 years through direct services, professional and community education and advocacy. MHA supports 18,000 individuals annually through a comprehensive array of mental health services striving to help each individual to achieve their personal goals and to lead independent and healthy lives.