KINGSTON, R.I. – Oct. 9, 2024 – The University of Rhode Island will host its 16th annual Be 5K Walk/Run for Mental Health Awareness and Suicide Prevention on Saturday, Oct. 19.

The event, on URI’s Kingston Campus, is open to the general public. Participants may register in advance or beginning at 8:30 a.m. the morning of the race. The cost to register in advance for URI students/faculty, veterans, and those 55 and older is $15. The cost for the general public and day of registration is $20. Funds raised go to benefit the Heather Fund and support mental health programming at URI. The run/walk starts at 10 a.m.

The Heather Fund was started in 1996 by the late Josephine and Roger Vennewald, the parents of URI student Heather Vennewald, who was tragically lost to suicide. Prior to their passing, Josephine and Roger would participate in the event every year. Since then, many friends and family members of Heather’s have picked up the mantle, with many traveling out of state to URI to participate. 

“When people get together for a cause like this, it’s a way to bring not just awareness to it but also having a shared space where we can experience positivity,” said Dr. Michael Starkey, assistant director of the URI Counseling Center, which is in its third year of organizing the event. 

“Talking openly and educating yourself and others about mental health can help people feel safe discussing their experiences without fear of judgment. This can help reduce the stigma that people with mental health conditions face,” said Catherine Calise, clinical counselor and substance use specialist with the Counseling Center. 

The URI Center for Career & Experiential Education, Greek Life, URI Health Services, Campus Recreation, the Psychological Consultation Center, and URI S.A.V.E.S. are just a few of the organizations that have been supporting this event for years. Each will have information tables set up on the Quad that will provide interactive activities and giveaways. Dave’s Market is also a sponsor of the event and will be providing food and water for the participants. Prior to the race students will be able to warm up, listen to music and grab a snack while learning about the mental health resources available on and off campus. 

“We want to remind students that they are not alone. We are here to help and there are things they can do if they are concerned about themselves or a friend or loved one,” said Jessica Greene, assistant director of health promotion and wellness with URI Health Services. 

Greene noted that learning more about how to help someone in need by getting trained in Mental Health First Aid or taking one of the free and open monthly Q.P.R. Suicide Prevention trainings offered is a great way to start. The newly formed Student Affairs Mental Health Task Force provides another opportunity to get involved.

The Be 5K has a strong community connection that has been prevalent for years and is part of what makes it so special for everyone. “It’s meaningful,” said Calise. “You see the community come together, you meet a lot of new people from year to year and most people like to return.

“It’s important that we come together to hold events such as the Be 5K—to raise awareness about mental health and to let people who may be having a hard time know that there is no shame in asking for help,” she added. “URI has many resources available, and it is important we get the word out about those resources. If you or a friend may be struggling, there are people here who can help.”

The 988 Lifeline is a national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call 988, or go to 988lifeline.org. The URI Counseling Center offers free, confidential mental health and well-being support to URI students. More information is available at uri.edu/counseling/ or by calling 401-874-2288. The University also provides 24-hour support via Telus Health. For URI faculty and staff, free, confidential assistance is available through the Employee Assistance Program. URI’s Couple and Family Therapy Clinic and the Psychological Consultation Center, also provide mental health services.  

Ethan Weiner, a junior sports media major and PR minor at the University of Rhode Island and an intern in the Department of Communications and Marketing, wrote this press release.