On November 11th, the Turkey Trot, a 5k walk and run for mental health, will be held at the Warehouse. This event is being organized by South students who are a part of HOSA, an organization for students interested in health sciences. Optimist sat down with senior Emily Brown, the State Secretary for HOSA, to ask her some questions about the upcoming event.
Q: What is HOSA?
A: “HOSA is an international organization for future health professionals in middle school and college [that provides students with the opportunity to] learn more about specific fields in healthcare as well as leadership.”
Q:Why did you become involved with HOSA?
A: “I became involved with HOSA last year in the Project Lead the Way classes. They are four biomedical classes here at South [that] focus on different aspects of healthcare and science.”
Q: How many years has the Turkey Trot been held?
A: “This is the second year for Turkey Trot. We raised enough money last year to [be] recognized at an international conference for HOSA.”
Q: Where do the proceeds go, and, ideally, what would you like to accomplish this year in terms of funding?
A: “The proceeds all go to NAMI, the National Association for Mental Illness. Ideally, we would like to raise enough money to support our local NAMI chapter.”
Q: Is there any specific branch of mental health that the proceeds from this 5k will be donated to?
A: “There is no specific branch. [NAMI] uses the money however they need on programs to improve mental health in our community.”
Q: Who is involved with this club?
A: “At South, it’s me, Savannah Trimble, Hannah Marshall, Tess Parker, and Olivia Schmitt-Metz.”
Q: What is is one thing that you’d say to students to explain the importance of taking part in this event?
A: “Come out and support mental health and ending the stigma. One in four adults will be affected by a mental health condition in their life and many people do not get the help they need and deserve.”
The entry fee for the Turkey Trot is five dollars (or $15 with a T-shirt), and all the money goes to the NAMI organization to improve the mental health treatment and awareness in our community.
