The following event has been approved for inclusion in the School and Program Events Calendar section by the Anoka-Hennepin Parent Involvement Program.

Join the Mental Wellness Campaign for Anoka County on Saturday, May 21 for their second annual Mental Wellness 5K Walk, at the Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park, 9750 Egret Blvd, Coon Rapids. Nationwide, May is recognized as Mental Health Month.

Registration begins at 10 a.m. A short program at 10:30 a.m. will be emceed by Dean Prince, publisher of Tidbits The Paper. The walk begins at 11 a.m.

All ages and abilities are welcome. Registration fee per individual is $10, or $20 per family. Parking, usually $5 per car, is free for participants.

"Last year was a great event with people encouraging us to do it again this year," said Tammy Ferguson, chair of the Mental Wellness Campaign for Anoka County.

"Mental health is as important as physical health. And, when mental illnesses happen-and they do to one out of every five people-it's important to get help," Ferguson said.  "With proper treatment, recovery can be expected for the majority of people."

The event is supported by local businesses, including Connexus Energy, Lee Carlson Center, Allegra Printing in Blaine, Pentair, and Rev. Richard Townsend-Anderson. Funds raised will support public outreach activities of the nonprofit organization, which is run by a board of consumers, service providers and community leaders. Their mission is to increase awareness that mental health is as important as physical health. 

To preregister for the walk, call 763-228-6321. Same day registrations will be accepted as well.