Health & Fitness
Foundation Promotes Mental Health Action Day In Vienna
The foundation named in memory of Vienna wrestler Eric Monday is encouraging a mental health walking challenge.
VIENNA, VA — The Eric Monday Foundation, named in memory of Vienna resident Eric Monday to raise awareness about mental health, will participate in the first-ever Mental Health Action Day Thursday, May 20.
Residents are encouraged to take a walking tour to raise awareness for mental health. In partnership with Focused Image and RPG Squarefoot Solutions, the foundation will provide a walking map of the Town of Vienna available to pick up starting Friday, May 21 at Greenheart Juice, Social Burger and Vienna Inn. The walking challenge calls upon residents to walk and highlight the streets on the map until they've walked every street in town.
"Walking can do wonders for your mental health," reads a statement from the foundation. "It improves your self-perception, sleep and helps to reduce stress and anxiety."
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Mental Health Action Day on May 20 is a day to promote a shift from mental health awareness to mental health action. People are encouraged to take the first step to get mental health support — for themselves, loved ones or others, or advocating for changes to reduce mental health stigma.
The Eric Monday Foundation honors Eric Monday, a wrestler and graduate of Madison High School who died in 2009. The foundation's mission focuses on eliminating stigma surrounding mental health and "fostering opportunities for young athletes who strive to develop their mind, body and spirit while raising up fellow participants."
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The foundation has celebrated Mental Health Awareness Month in May with a parent education seminar as well as a #TakeDowntheStigma banner displayed over Maple Avenue. Over the weekend, Vienna Mayor Linda Colbert, members of Vienna Town Council, Vienna Volunteer Fire Department, Vienna Police Depart and Eric Monday Foundation board gathered for a photo in front of the banner to show their support.
Residents are also encouraged to take the pledge to "Take Down the Stigma."
For more information about the Eric Monday Foundation, visit www.ericmondayfoundation.org.
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