Mental Health Matters is a non-profit organization based in NC that aims to create awareness as well as reduce stigma associated with mental health.
Our Mission
Mental Health Matters is a 501(c)(3) non-profit with a mission to create awareness and reduce stigma associated with mental health through fun and engaging community events.
We all have mental health. 1 in 5 suffer from mental illness yet 5 in 5 people face challenges that impact mental health – that means everyone. Types of mental health struggles: eating disorders, addictions (drug/alcohol), depression, anxiety, PTSD, ADHD, OCD and behavioral issues are all types of mental health, just to name a few.
Source: CDC
Myth: death by suicide only occurs with preexisting mental health conditions.
Many suicides happen impulsively in moments of crisis with a breakdown in the ability to deal with life stresses, such as financial problems, relationship disputes, or chronic pain and illness.
Source: WHO
Community support is key to prevention
We have to work towards a change instead of waiting for a change. Together we can work towards a brighter future.
When you’re in the thick of it, it can feel isolating. We all go through times that can challenge our mental health. We want to normalize that with more visibility and presence within our community as we continue to amplify the conversation surrounding mental health.
Mental Health affects us all, from young to old age it is there and integral to our overall health. Despite this, it is something that is not seen or heard of often enough. We want to change that, to make a difference so that we can start to change the declining rates of mental health that is staggering. We are hopeful that by having more visibility for mental health as other causes, people will find solidarity & comfort in this awareness.
Because more visibility = more awareness = reducing stigma = changing perspectives
Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Call/text 988: 988 is a lifeline for anyone struggling, not just in immediate danger. You can reach out to 988 for yourself or on behalf of someone else. Whether you’re feeling depressed, need someone to talk to, or are contemplating suicide, trained counselors are available to listen and support you through your tough times. You don’t have to go through it alone.
*Remember today may be bad but tomorrow can be good.
Keep going & keep moving forward.
Mental Health Matters 5k & festival
Annual Event
A recurring event every May during mental health awareness month. This event was created with an inclusive mindset – welcoming all ages, abilities and experience levels.
Whether you’re running, walking or rolling, it’s an opportunity to gather as a community and create awareness while having a great time!
We hope that whatever you may be dealing with, that running is one of the things that helps you get through the challenging days and that you have the community to support you when you need it.
The fun run offers kids & individuals of all abilities the opportunity to participate in a shorter distance.
All ages, all races, all genders, all paces, all abilities. Because mental health doesn’t discriminate.
FESTIVAL is FREE & open to the public all are welcome whether racing or not!
We love to support our CLT businesses and we have a strong number of participating vendors. Come enjoy local businesses and learn of some mental health & well-being resources!
Previous years in photos
About the Founder
Erica Meisner founded Mental Health Matters in an effort to create more visibility within the Charlotte community for mental health. As a passionate runner and mental health advocate she saw a need for a race that was not available within the community.
Running is something she started with athletic conditioning but it turned into a love from there, races are a fun opportunity to bring people together and bring some excitement surrounding a specific cause.
“I always wanted to run a race for mental health – a topic that I think we should see more often within communities. I really love running and thought this was a great way to get people’s attention surrounding such an important and underlooked topic. It’s an opportunity to create awareness in a fun way and see the excitement that a race can bring; and most importantly try to make a difference… if I can positively affect one person, then I know I have succeeded.”
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