World Mental Health Day and Mental Illness Awareness Week both occur in October. Interim, Inc., the largest provider of housing services for adults living with mental illness in Monterey County, is organizing an awareness and fundraising event that emphasizes the importance of movement to mental health. The event is called Move for Mental Health. Physical activity has been shown to have a number of benefits for mental health, such as reducing stress, improving mood, and increasing self-esteem.

In order to raise awareness for Interim’s services I am participating in Move for Mental Health. I have set a goal to walk daily on my lunch breaks with colleagues throughout the month of October.

Interim provides mental health treatment, affordable housing, residential treatment, homeless outreach and support, employment services, and other programs for adults with mental illness. The agency’s programs serve over 2400 individuals in Monterey County. Interim improves the quality of life of many adults in our community living with a mental illness.

I am participating in Move for Mental Health because I believe that everyone deserves to have good mental health. I hope that by participating in this event, I can help to raise awareness of the importance of movement and to raise funds for Interim's services. Please support my goal to raise funds for this amazing local non-profit.