Eastern Arizona College’s Discovery Park Campus
Contributed Article
SAFFORD – The 2nd annual Safford Lions 5K & 10K Community Mental Health Awareness Run will be held Saturday, Oct. 23, at Eastern Arizona College’s Discovery Park Campus. Bring your family and friends to run, walk, jog or race around the computer-timed, 5K groomed path circling Discovery Park. The 10K begins at 8 a.m., the 5K at 8:30 a.m. with check-in beginning at 7 a.m. T-shirts are included in the entry fee which is $25 per person, $20 per person for family groups of four or more, and on event day, prices are $30 per person. Children 10 and under are free.
Medals for the top three male and female age competitors in the under 17, 18-25, 26-35, 36-45, 46-59, & 59+ Masters age groups along with medals for the six best-costumed participants will be awarded. Just as last year, all profits from the event will be distributed locally for mental health services by the Safford Lions.
Click here to register. Registration information is also available at rafyduck@yahoo.com or by calling Mike Garcia at (928) 432-1430.
The 2020 event had nearly 90 runners. The 2021 goal is 200 participants. There are numerous regional 5K runs, but relatively few 10K competitive races. With cool mornings and a return to normalcy, the timing for this 5K and 10K race, run, jog or walk is ideal. Come and support community mental health awareness and treatment in Graham County while joining your friends at the 2021 Safford Lions 5K & 10K Community Mental Health Awareness Run.
Residents of Graham County enjoy spectacular scenery, a moderate cost of living, very good schools and medical care, a mild winter climate, and great friends. With all the positives there are also significant problems and challenges. More than 4% of Arizonans suffered from significant mental health problems, 8% of adolescents and adults struggled with substance abuse disorders, and 17.4% drank excessively in 2015, according to Data USA. The Arizona Department of Health Services reported 11 deaths by suicide and eight drug-induced deaths in Graham County in 2017.
The Safford Lions, with major support from Eastern Arizona College, will host the 2021 Community Mental Health Awareness 5K & 10K Run on Saturday, October 23 at EAC’s Discovery Park Campus. Last year’s successful event allowed the Safford Lions to donate $2,000 to the EAC Counseling Center and $2,000 to the Graham County Courts to provide crisis counseling using local mental health professionals
In addition to participating in the 5K & 10K run, walk, jog or race, donations and sponsorships are welcomed and encouraged. Mike Garcia of the Safford Lions Club is the event director. He can be reached at 928-432-1430 or at rafyduck@yahoo.com
