Walk to Build Positive Behavioral Health in Valley County on Oct. 5

Groups trying to improve mental health and decrease substance abuse in Valley County are sponsoring a Mental Health Walk on Saturday, Oct. 5. The event will start at 10:30 a.m. at the Valley Event Center and will end at the Civic Center. The gathering will provide education, ask folks to give input and present chances to win a Yeti cooler and Chamber Bucks with lunch provided.

The highlight of the walk will be two brief presentations by people who have beat the disease. Free rides will be available by calling Valley County Transit, 228-8747, and tell them you are part of the event.

The goal of the walk is to encourage all Valley County citizens to know that the first most important action is to seek help, whether for self or for others. There is help available and the disease can be defeated. A further goal is to get people talking about, and accepting, the fact that the disease can affect any family. County and state survey data shows that there are several hundred people in Valley County that are affected by behavioral health diseases due to substance abuse and or mental health issues.

General help numbers include 800-273-8255, 800-950-6264, and 800-662-4357. Local numbers are 228-9349, 228-3500, and 228-4333 and the emergency 911.