Better Horizons Healthy Youth Organization hosted a 4.1-kilometre wellness run in Freetown over the weekend to raise awareness on mental health issues and substance abuse.
The event, held on 6 June, started from Chapter One at Lumley Beach and ended at Sky Bar in Aberdeen. It aimed to break the stigma surrounding mental health struggles and educate the public on the dangers of drugs including kush and tramadol.
Founder Millicent Browne said untreated mental health problems often lead to substance abuse, which she described as a pandemic in Sierra Leone.
“If you are struggling with mental health, depression and anxiety, you need to talk to the right people, like psychiatrists,” she said. “In this society, people don’t believe in talking about their struggles due to fear of being mocked.”
A recovering kush addict also shared a personal testimony at the event, encouraging others to seek help and warning those who have never tried the drug to never start.
The run offered free health education from doctors, wellness resources, music and community empowerment. Organisers said the event was inclusive and accessible to everyone regardless of ability.
Ms Browne also revealed plans to open a rehabilitation centre, adding that she has already secured land for the project.
