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Laredoans, mental health advocates invited to attend AHEC's 988 5K Run and Wellness Fair

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Friday, September 5th 2025 at 14:00 GMT by KGNS-TV

Laredo’s Mental‑Health Advocates Rally Behind AHEC’s 9.8‑5K Run & Wellness Fair

By: [Your Name] – September 5, 2025

The city of Laredo has turned its attention to mental‑wellness with the American Health Education Consortium’s (AHEC) first‑ever 9.8‑5K Run & Wellness Fair, an event that drew community leaders, local mental‑health advocates, and residents eager to celebrate health, resilience, and connection. The fair, which will take place this weekend at the Laredo Convention Center, invites mental‑health professionals from across the region to participate and learn more about the city’s mental‑health initiatives.

A Collaborative Vision for Community Health

AHEC’s 2025 Wellness Fair is the culmination of a year‑long partnership between the Texas Department of State Health Services, Laredo County Health District, the Laredo Mental Health Alliance (LMHA), and several local nonprofit organizations that work to improve psychological wellbeing in the community. The initiative’s core goal is to create an inclusive environment where participants can learn about and access mental‑health resources while enjoying physical activity and community engagement.

“We believe the key to improving mental health starts with a holistic approach that merges physical activity with supportive resources,” said Dr. Maria Gutierrez, director of the Laredo Mental Health Alliance. “By inviting professionals from across the county to attend the run and fair, we are fostering a network of advocates that can help break down the stigma associated with mental‑health challenges.”

The AHEC website (https://www.ahec.org/2025/events) provides a comprehensive schedule, including a 5‑k mile run that starts at the convention center’s outdoor track, followed by a wellness fair that runs along the center’s main concourse. For those who prefer walking, the event’s organizers have also designated a 2‑mile loop that circumnavigates the surrounding gardens.

Activities and Resources at the Fair

The fair will feature more than a dozen booths and activity stations:

Each station offers information about free or low‑cost mental‑health services that participants can enroll in after the event. Many of the resources are available online; see the “Resources” tab on the LHEC’s official site for direct links to appointment booking and tele‑health services.

A Day of Learning, Movement, and Connection

The event will begin at 9:00 a.m. with a short motivational address from the mayor of Laredo, who will speak about the city’s commitment to mental‑wellness. The 5‑k run will start shortly thereafter, allowing runners and walkers to enjoy the scenic views along the Rio Grande and pass by iconic landmarks such as the Laredo Historic Courthouse. For participants who prefer a slower pace, AHEC has set up a 2‑mile loop that weaves through the city’s historic districts.

During the run, volunteer “Mental‑Health Advocates”—a group of local professionals who provide free counseling services to underserved communities—will patrol the route. They will offer on‑site support to anyone experiencing distress and will hand out informational brochures about local mental‑health clinics, after‑care programs, and how to sign up for group therapy sessions.

At 12:00 p.m., the fair will open, and participants will be welcomed by a “Welcome Team” comprised of volunteers from the LMHA, the Laredo County Health District, and the Texas Department of State Health Services. A free “Self‑Care” kit, containing a water bottle, a stress‑relief ball, and a pamphlet on mindfulness practices, will be handed out to all attendees.

Building a Network of Advocates

A key element of the event is the “Advocate Mixer,” a structured networking session scheduled for 2:00 p.m. that brings together professionals from mental‑health clinics, university counseling centers, substance‑abuse treatment programs, and community‑based support groups. According to event organizers, the mixer will help these professionals discuss collaborative strategies to increase outreach to Spanish‑speaking populations and to create a community‑based mental‑health referral system.

“We see this as an opportunity to create a more unified response to mental‑health needs in Laredo,” said Dr. Gutierrez. “By sharing knowledge and resources, we can ensure that help is available to anyone who needs it, especially in our Hispanic and immigrant communities.”

How to Get Involved

Participants who are unable to attend in person but wish to support the cause can visit the event’s official page at https://www.kgns.tv/2025/09/05/laredoans-mental-health-advocates-invited-attend-ahecs-988-5k-run-wellness-fair/. The page offers a virtual “Supporter Hub” where attendees can donate, volunteer, or spread the word on social media. For more information on mental‑health resources in Laredo, visit the Laredo Health District’s website, where a dedicated “Mental Health” portal (https://www.laredohealth.org/mental-health) provides a directory of counselors, crisis lines, and free workshops.

A Call to Action

The AHEC’s 9.8‑5K Run & Wellness Fair exemplifies how public events can serve as catalysts for social change. By combining physical activity with mental‑health education, the event encourages community members to take charge of their wellbeing while fostering solidarity among mental‑health advocates. As Laredo moves forward, this event lays the groundwork for a future where mental‑health resources are accessible to all, and where community resilience becomes a tangible, shared reality.

Whether you’re a runner, a walker, a mental‑health professional, or simply a citizen who cares about the wellbeing of your neighbors, the 9.8‑5K Run & Wellness Fair is an opportunity to make a difference—and to join a city-wide movement toward healthier, happier lives.