Maria Parham Franklin Hosts “Stomp the Stigma” Events in Honor of National Mental Health Awareness Month

In recognition of National Mental Health Awareness Month this May, Maria Parham Franklin and the MPF Behavioral Health team are coming together to raise awareness around mental health, reduce stigma, and foster support for the needs of the local community. The hospital will host a day of events designed to "Stomp the Stigma" surrounding mental health and encourage individuals to seek help when needed.
The "Stomp the Stigma" event will take place on Saturday, May 31, 2025, and will feature three exciting races aimed at bringing the community together while promoting awareness and wellness:

5K Run/Walk – Starting at 9:00 a.m., this race will begin and end at Maria Parham Franklin and wind through downtown Louisburg. The 5K is open to all participants, regardless of skill level, and encourages people to move at their own pace in support of mental health awareness.

1-Mile Family Fun Run/Walk – Kicking off at 9:30 a.m., this event is perfect for families and participants of all ages. It will be a relaxed and enjoyable run/walk, emphasizing fun and inclusivity while supporting the cause.

Kids’ Dash – Beginning at 10:00 a.m., this race is designed just for the kids and will take place entirely on the hospital grounds. It’s a short, fun, and active event that allows children to get involved in raising awareness about mental health.

Event Details:

T-shirts and Swag Bags: Every registered participant will receive an event t-shirt and a swag bag filled with surprises. Be sure to register at least two weeks prior to the event to be guaranteed a t-shirt and swag bag.

Awards & Prizes: Medals will be awarded to the top 3 male and top 3 female finishers of the 5K, and medals will also be presented to the first 100 participants who finish the race.

Registration: Participants can sign up for any of the events at runsignup.com/Race/NC/Louisburg/StompTheStigmaK.

“We are excited to host these events as part of our ongoing commitment to raising awareness about mental health and encouraging people to prioritize their well-being,” said Bert Beard, CEO of Maria Parham Health. “Stigma around mental health can prevent people from seeking the help they need, and our goal is to help change that through these fun and meaningful events.”
The Stomp the Stigma event aims to bring the community together in a positive and supportive way while making it clear that seeking help for mental health is not only acceptable, but encouraged.
Maria Parham Franklin encourages everyone to get involved, whether by participating in one of the events, volunteering, or simply showing support for this important cause. Together, we can work to end the stigma surrounding mental health and help normalize seeking the help and support that everyone deserves.