‘Using Our Voices’ Mental Health Run series

On Saturday, March 15, Center Moriches Schools hosted the first event of the third annual Using Our Voices Mental Health Run Series, at Neville Park.

The student-led 5K series is inspired by P.S. I Love You Day and aims to spread awareness for mental health by sharing positive coping skills of the impact of movement and helping others.

The event is entirely student-run, with Center Moriches students taking the responsibilities of planning, promotion, and acquiring the proper permits.

“Personally, I think this run is more than just a run. It’s about spreading awareness for mental health,” explained Center Moriches High School senior Meghan Harker. “As a student-athlete, mental health is a big factor for me.  I was struggling and didn’t even realize. So being able to help other student-athletes be heard really made me feel proud that we are breaking the stigma for something more than ourselves.”

This year’s theme is “choosing to include,” as the event will be unified for the first time, inviting individuals with and without disabilities to participate together.

“It is our third annual run series, and each year we grow substantially with participation, sponsorships, and donations,” said student organizer Austin Faller.

At the run, there are options to run, walk or volunteer, and this year, not only is there a 5K, but also a one-mile option. This year, they also included opportunities for unified participants.

“It truly is a great experience for all ages with food, music and more,” Faller said.

This year, the founders of P.S. I Love You day were also in attendance at the run, speaking to the crowd, as well as organizations including the Christopher Coluccio Foundation, The Neighborhood House, and Suffolk Response offering giveaways and mental health resources.

“For me, this is so important because I was struggling with my mental health and I didn’t even realize,” added Gabby Deangelis, Center Moriches senior. “When I first joined student leadership, I wasn’t sure what mental health actually was. But now being able to break the stigma around mental health with the run and letting other student-athletes feel heard really made this all feel real. We are doing this for a reason and it’s important. Every one struggling deserves to be heard.”

Throughout the Mental Health Run Series, all children and students from Long Island run for free. Center Moriches is hosting the first event of the 2025 series, followed by Patchogue-Medford, Connetquot, and North Babylon over the coming months. Last year, the series raised more than $22,000 for mental health organizations.