• Enjoy an evening walking and talking about mental health information and support.
Star Valley Flame of Life and We Are Not Alone are collaborating to facilitate Star Valley’s Second Annual Mental Health Walk, happening this Saturday, May 18, at 5:30 p.m. at the pavilion in Unity Park in Thayne. The park is located just south of Thayne Elementary School next to the horse arena.
Amber Titensor, with Star Valley Flame of Life, started Star Valley’s Mental Health Walk in 2023, honoring Mental Health Awareness Month. Guests are invited to attend, take a walk at their own pace, share information about support surrounding the subject of mental health, and enjoy some light refreshment.
“Cassie [Clinger] and I have been working together over the past few months, as she leads a monthly peer support group and shares her experiences about living with Bipolar Type 2,” said Titensor, in an email to SVI Media last week. “She also facilitates a Facebook Group called We are Not Alone. Cassie has been so brave and vulnerable as she shares her story and is creating a lot of connections and community with people who are seeking connection through their difficulties.”
Kristle Westover and Sara Burnside, who serve as Licensed Clinical Social Workers with the Behavior Health Division of Star Valley Health will be there providing materials and information to participants.
“Since May is Mental Health Awareness Month, as well as spring here in beautiful Star Valley, a walk just feels like a good thing to do,” said Titensor. “We will have a short welcome and introduction, then we’ll walk. The main loop for the walk is about 1 mile. Participants are welcome to do the loop more than once for extra time and distance, and there are shortcut routes as well. It’s all on pavement so it’s accessible to everyone. Participants are welcome to congregate back at the pavilion for conversation and connection with light refreshments when they are done walking.”
The Mental Health Walk is one of several events that Titensor has created in Star Valley that promote mental health awareness and conversation.
“I am passionate about mental health and wellness. Since losing my son, Teagan, to suicide in 2021, it’s become something that I continue to learn about and advocate for. Mental health is health. Taking care of our own mental health is really important. Talking about it in our families, with our peers and colleagues and making it part of normal conversation helps reduce the stigma around it.”
The event is designed for anyone and everyone who has a desire to support, learn about, or be part of mental health awareness in any way. Families, individuals, groups and teams are invited to participate. “My hope with this event mirrors my hope for all events that I create – that people will feel SEEN and UNDERSTOOD. That this event will be a place where people can support themselves as well as feel connection and community with other members of our valley.”
