Blackshear Begins 72-Mile Walk from Dayton to Statehouse for Mental Health Awareness

Today, state Senator Willis E. Blackshear Jr. (D-Dayton) began his 72-mile walk from the Dayton Metro Library to the Ohio Statehouse to raise awareness for mental health.

“I am doing this for all those who are struggling with mental health issues, for those individuals and groups supporting them, and to advocate for more funding and action on mental health initiatives,” said Blackshear. “This is a bold effort, but one that I am committed to seeing through. Those who are struggling with mental health issues – their families, their friends, their supporters – need to know they are not alone.”

Blackshear was joined at the kickoff event by mental health advocates, behavioral healthcare workers, and community members, including Lesley Brose, CEO of Eastway Behavioral Healthcare; Tony Coder, CEO  of Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation; and Chris Grant, mental health advocate and wife of University of Dayton Basketball Coach Anthony Grant.

Senator Blackshear will end his walk in Columbus on Monday, May 18, at the Ohio Statehouse with a press conference at 11:30 a.m.