Chill in the Hills 10k and 5k raising awareness of mental health

Mental-health awareness is growing in Mississippi as organizations such as the state chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, the Mississippi Psychological Association and the state Department of Mental Health assist and educate people about the importance of mental health and remove the stigma of mental illnesses.

Here in Vicksburg, the Christian Counseling Center does more than offer counseling. It also helps to increase mental health awareness by hosting events to involve and inform the public. One of those events is the annual Chill in the Hills 10k and 5k run and walk happening this year on Saturday, Jan. 11.

“This is our twelfth annual Chill in the Hills 10k,” said Business Manager Anna Sanders. “It’s also an annual fundraiser and all proceeds go to the Grace Christian Counseling Center mental health services.”

Sanders added that the event is the organization’s No. 1 fundraising event of the year.

The fee to run or walk is $40. Register online in advance (the site also has course maps) or on site the day of the event from 7 to 8 a.m. The 10k starts at 8:30 a.m. and the 5k at 8:35 a.m. Visit the event Facebook page for updates.

Anyone interested in sponsoring, donating a door prize or volunteering for the event should call the Grace Christian Counseling Center at 601-636-5703, or come by their office at 1414 Cherry St.

“Last year it was raining and cold, and the year before it was 26 degrees,” Sanders said. “This year we’re looking forward to great weather and a huge turnout.”