WAKEFIELD, Mich. (WLUC) – Walking a mile in someone else’s shoes – that was the theme for Wednesday’s gathering in Wakefield where the community came together to raise awareness for mental health.
For 12 years in a row, the Gogebic Community Mental Health ‘Walk a Mile in My Shoes’ rally has featured hundreds of community members. The mile-long walk started and finished outside the Wakefield VFW post.
Head Organizer Dustin Pitrone says this event’s purpose is continuing efforts to bring more mental health resources to residents.
“We want to see people with value and see them for all their talents, interests, and abilities and that they are included in society and not excluded,” Pitrone said. “We also want to make the public and our legislators aware that there is a lack of funding for mental health, and we need policies in place so we can better serve our community.”
“Many times, you can go to the doctor if you’re having chest pain, or you have a knee injury skiing and you get help right away. With mental health, you might be put on a waiting list, but you need help now,” Pitrone said. “So, we are trying to put all that out there for people to take to consideration and maybe make some changes for our community.”
Most of Wednesday’s attendees were special education and high school volunteer students.
Three Wakefield Marenisco National Honor Society students say having more mental health resources is key to students’ success.
“Getting checkups for it is so important at a young age because I feel like it will develop over time and it will get a lot worse,” Freshman Ava Lopac said.
“I was in denial about getting help and everything, but now that I have that help, I genuinely think that I needed it and I’m glad that I spoke up and got the help I needed because I’m doing a lot better now,” Sophomore Kaelyn Perron said.
“You might not think that you have a mental health disability or anything, but the best you can do is get it checked. Talking to someone always helps,” Sophomore Avery Keast said.
Organizers says they want to thank everyone who had a part making this event possible year after year.
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