Each October, members and staff of Mental Health Connecticut (MHC) and the Independence Center (IC), its recovery resource community program based in Waterbury, gather together with the local community to promote health and wellness while raising awareness around mental health. This year, MHC is also hosting a voter registration event following the walk.

The 2016 IC Walk will be held on Thurs., October 6th (with a rain date October 7) and will start at 10:30 a.m. Walkers will depart from the Independence Center, 21 Church Street, Waterbury. All walkers, staff, supporters, and donors are welcome to come to the walk and stay for lunch at the IC immediately following. Donations to support the Independence Center can also be made online.

Voter registration event will be held on Thurs., October 6th, from 1-4pm at 21 Church Street. In the advent of rain, this event will also be moved to October 7th.

“Awareness is key to building community support and engagement. We hope the community will join us to support our IC members and to honor the importance of making mental health and overall wellness a priority for all,” Luis Perez, President and CEO.

For over 20 years, MHC has held the annual “IC Walk” during the first week in October in conjunction with “Mental Illness Awareness Week.” The event brings together MHC staff and clients for a walk around Waterbury’s downtown district. While raising much-needed funds for the IC, this event also shows the community that with the support from staff and peers as well as active participation in program offerings, members can achieve recovery and better engage with their communities.

To support new and updated voter registrations, MHC will help residents register to vote, following the IC Walk. All members of the community are invited.

For more information about the IC Walk and the Independence Center, go to: https://www.mhconn.org/events/ic-walk

About Mental Health Connecticut

Mental Health Connecticut (MHC) is a statewide, nonprofit organization whose mission is to improve mental health for all Connecticut residents. For more than 100 years, MHC has worked to improve mental health services, promote recovery for people with mental health conditions, educate the community about the importance of mental wellness, and combat discrimination resulting from a mental health diagnosis. For more info, go to: www.mhconn.org.