Katie Foundation Hosts Mental Health 5K in Scranton
The annual community event at Nay Aug Park raises awareness and funds for local mental health support resources.
Updated on Oct. 31, 2026 in Philanthropy
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The Katie Foundation held its annual 5K race and mental health fair at Nay Aug Park to honor the memory of Kathleen Shoener. The event focused on increasing community awareness and raising funds for essential local mental health services.
Why it matters
The event serves to bridge the gap between residents and support services while addressing the prevalence of behavioral health challenges. It highlights the importance of accessible care and community-based mental health education in the Scranton area.
Nationally, one in five people in the United States experiences a mental or behavioral disorder. Globally, this figure reaches one billion individuals affected by such health challenges.
The players
The Katie Foundation
An organization dedicated to raising mental health awareness and funds in memory of Kathleen Shoener.
Hospice of the Sacred Heart
A healthcare provider that participated in the event by hosting a resource table for community members.
CASA of Lackawanna
A local nonprofit organization that provides court-appointed special advocates for children and supported the event.
The details
Participants of all ages, including young attendees like 4-year-old Bode Sherman and 1-year-old Kayleigh Sherman, gathered at the park for the race, basket raffles, and trunk-or-treat activities. Organizations such as Hospice of the Sacred Heart and CASA of Lackawanna provided direct information through resource tables to attendees.
Timeline
The 5K race and mental health fair took place on October 31, 2026.
Market Landscape
This community gathering follows a growing national trend of local initiatives addressing the one-in-five prevalence rate of mental health disorders in the United States. By integrating resource distribution with public events, organizers are positioning local support services against the backdrop of broad health challenges.
Residents can utilize the connections made with local organizations like Hospice of the Sacred Heart and CASA of Lackawanna to access support services. The event provides a direct opportunity for families to engage with mental health resources in a community-centered environment.
The takeaway
Engaging in community-based mental health events can simplify the process of identifying and accessing local support resources. Prioritizing these local connections helps residents remain informed about the availability of behavioral health services in their own area.
Further reading
Learn more about local charitable initiatives in our Philanthropy section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Scranton Times-Tribune.
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Do you believe local community events are an effective way to address mental health stigma?
