By Josh Bootsma
HAMMOND, Ind. (August 25, 2022) – To kick off National Recovery Month, non-profit organization 5K Bird Walk for Recovery is again hosting its annual walk to support individuals and families in recovery from substance abuse and mental health challenges.
The walk will take place on Saturday, September 3, from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park in Hammond, Indiana.
Marking the sixth year of the annual walk, this year’s event will be “an opportunity to demonstrate support for individuals and families in recovery from substance use and mental health challenges,” said a press release about the event.
Bird Walk
The Bird Walk for Recovery was started by family and friends of Seneca “Bird” Gibbs. Gibbs grew up in Hammond and struggled with an “addictive illness” for 10 years before passing away in 2015 at age 34.
“His experience with addiction, treatment, recovery, and yes, even relapse inspires this walk,” said the press release.
“The purpose of the 5K Bird Walk for recovery is to amplify the voices of the recovery community. Our community must remain dedicated to the recovery process by reducing mental health and addiction-related stigma, helping people address these preventable and treatable conditions, and support individuals and families in recovery,” the release said.
Join the walk
Interested residents are asked to register online to participate in the walk as a walker, team, or group.
“We all have a role to play in contributing to our community’s well-being. Participating in a community event like the 5K Bird Walk for Recovery is one way we can do that. Together we can reduce mental health and addiction related stigma that prevent people from seeking treatment,” said the press release.
The 5K Bird Walk for Recovery is also seeking sponsorships and donations. Learn more at 5KBirdwalkforrecovery.org.
Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park is located at 59 Columbia Avenue in Hammond, Indiana.
