June 27, 2025 3:05 a.m.

A H.O.P.E. Drug Court participant has partnered with the National Alliance on Mental Illness to create the first 5K walk/run in Douglas County called “Together We Heal” emphasizing the importance of reducing the stigma around mental illness.

Barb Hofford of NAMI Douglas is helping upcoming HOPE Drug Court graduate Kristi Parham and said, “Her life, and those of some family members, have been majorly impacted by mental health issues”. Hofford said those graduating from the program are required to do a community service project that helps a cause they feel strongly about. Hofford said, “We are very fortunate she chose Mental Health Awareness as her service project and invited NAMI Douglas to partner with her. We are privileged to help with this very worthwhile project”. Parham said, “I am excited about this one. I want to help reduce stigmas and provide awareness and resources at the event.”

NAMI Douglas is an organization of families, friends and individuals whose lives have been affected by mental illness. Together, they advocate for better lives for those individuals who have a mental illness.

The Mental Health Awareness 5K walk/run event will be on Saturday, July 26th, starting at the Stewart Park pavilion in Roseburg. Information tables will open at 9:00 a.m. The ribbon cutting and walk/run will start at 10:00 a.m. Free event t-shirts will be available while supplies last. Register via the EVENTBRITE link with this story at: Mental Health Awareness 5K Tickets, Sat, Jul 26, 2025 at 10:00 AM | Eventbrite