October 10 2019 – New Horizons of the Treasure Coast and Okeechobee raised $30,000 at the 9th annual Race for Recovery 5K Run/Walk at Indian River State College Pruitt Campus to help children and adult mental health clients achieve their wellness goals.
The race is held every September in recognition of National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month.
Due to the participation of more than 200 runners, walkers, and supporters, as well as presenting sponsor David Smythe, and many others, the nonprofit will be able to provide mental health and addiction recovery services to about 2,500 children and 12,000 adults in the four-county area last year.
New Horizons, the largest mental health agency in the region, serves 14,500 children and adults annually, regardless of their ability to pay. In fact, almost 60% of New Horizons clients have no source of income or insurance, yet no one is turned away due to lack of financial resources.
“It is essential that we keep the public talking about suicide,” said Deborah Dreher, chief clinical officer for the nonprofit agency. “The numbers are staggering and it is the only cause of death that is 100% preventable.”
Suicide is the second leading cause of death in the US among 10- to 34-year-olds; suicide is in the top ten leading causes of death among all age groups.
“The Race for Recovery is a celebration of life,” said George Shopland, New Horizons CEO. “We are fortunate to have a community mental health agency that operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, offering a wide range of services to community residents in need of assistance.”
Participants in the 5K Run/Walk were treated to Natalie’s juices, coffee from Starbucks, bagels from Bagel Break, and water from Southern Eagle Distribution and CenterState Bank. Entertainment included music by DJ Rene and a raffle for “The Nutcracker” tickets at The Sunrise Theatre.
Finishing first overall with a time of 20:52 was 25-year-old Josh Negron, followed closely by master’s winner Dale Ruby crossing the finish at 22:17. Chenae Jackson was the race’s overall female finisher with a time of 22:54, and master’s top female finisher was Jeannette Hill with a time of 26:22. Top finishers received gift cards to Duffy’s Sports Grill and stainless steel insulated mugs.
Prizes were also awarded to the top finishers in several age groups.
Additional sponsors included Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital, Cleveland Clinic Martin Health, Harry Shaw, Hoskins Turco Lloyd and Lloyd, Jacquin and Sons, Florida Insurance Brokers, Florida Insurance Trust, and the Mary and Wilson Baysinger Fund.
To learn more about New Horizons, please visit www.nhtcinc.org or call (772)696-2729.
