Bacon Street Youth and Family Services hosted its first Mental Health Matters Awareness Walk in partnership with Riverside Health on May 10 at Riverside Walter Reed Hospital in Gloucester.

Over 100 community members gathered on that sunny Saturday morning to raise awareness about mental health and reduce stigma around mental illness. In addition to raising awareness, the walk raised almost $30,000 for Bacon Street, which will be used to provide mental health and substance use services to all of their service areas including Williamsburg, Gloucester and Newport News.

Bacon Street Youth and Family Services is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving mental health and wellness for individuals and families. Through various programs, they provide critical support for youth and families dealing with mental health and substance use challenges.

Bacon Street’s clinical director Ashinna Cole kicked off the opening ceremony by reminding everyone of the rich history of people walking to raise awareness of issues they care about. She stressed that when we walk with purpose, we can have a big impact.

Kim Dellinger, Bacon Street’s executive director, drove this point home by reminding the crowd of their own impact, saying, “Your presence shows that mental health is not only a personal concern but a community priority. Whether you raised funds, shared your story, or simply showed up to walk, you are helping to break down stigma and build up hope. Every step we take together today is a step toward a stronger, more supportive community,” she said.

A fitness instructor from Walter Reed Hospital’s Wellness and Fitness Center led the group in some energetic warm-up exercises, and it was fun to see the whole crowd doing squats and lunges together.

Finally, the walkers set off on their one-mile walk around the hospital grounds. For more information about Bacon Street, visit www.baconstreet.org.