Climb Out of the Darkness, the world’s largest event raising awareness of pregnancy and postpartum mental health disorders, will hold a regional Climb Out of the Darkness 5k Community Run and Free Family Event in Chattanooga on June 25.
Women and men who are providers, supporters and survivors of postpartum depression (PPD), anxiety, OCD, bipolar disorder and psychosis from all over the world will walk, stroll or run together at a local park or hiking trail to symbolize their collective rise out of the darkness.
Participants will raise funds for Postpartum Support International, a nonprofit organization and online community of support resources for parents around the world.
"Our events are unique from other health walks because our communities include the people who have suffered from a mental health complication and the doctors, therapists, hospital administrators, researchers and other professionals walking arm in arm," organizers said.
Everyone is invited to participate in Team Chattanooga’s Climb Out of the Darkness 5k Community Run and Free Family Event to be held at TN Riverpark, Shelter #4 in Chattanooga on Sunday, June 25 at 8 a.m. Participants must register prior to the event at
https://www.classy.org/event/climb-out-of-the-darkness-5k-walk-run/e482296.
Sponsorships from local businesses are also being accepted.
Contact local Climb Leader Tamara Slocum at 423-503-3474 or climboutchattanooga@gmail.com for more information on sponsorships that will help support the Climb.
“It is an exciting time for Climb Out of the Darkness and a growing awareness worldwide of the mental health needs of new and expecting parents,” said Wendy N. Davis, executive director of Postpartum Support International. “Working together, we are improving the safety net for families around the world. This event unifies those suffering, survivors, doctors and therapists in the fight against perinatal mental health complications. We hope you will join us.”
Money raised by the Climb will support PSI’s goal to provide funds to local groups and organizations, provide low-cost training in perinatal mood disorders for providers in underserved areas, train law enforcement and legal experts, mentor peer supporters and group leaders and train primary healthcare providers.
To learn more about Climb Out of the Darkness, visit
http://www.postpartum.net/join-us/climbout/ or contact Ms. Slocum at 423-503-3474 or climboutchattanooga@gmail.com.