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QUINCY, Mass. (March 10, 2026) – With snow finally cleared and warmer days ahead, Interfaith Social Services announces their 52nd Stop the Stigma 5K, scheduled for April 25 in North Quincy. As one of the first 5Ks of the season in the region, organizers of the annual run and walk are hoping people are ready to get out of the house and enjoy the spring weather, all while supporting mental health. They hope to draw a record 1,000 participants this year. Proceeds from the Stop the Stigma 5K support Interfaith’s New Directions Counseling Center. The Center acts as a safety net for uninsured and underinsured members of the community by offering services on a sliding scale fee scale. To further break down barriers to receiving treatment, new clients to the New Directions Counseling Center receive their first four sessions free of charge. In addition to fundraising, runners and walkers taking part in the event help to “Stop the Stigma” by breaking down stereotypes and stigmas surrounding mental illness by talking about mental health and visibly showing their support for their neighbors, friends and family dealing with mental illness and addiction. Many participants choose to run the race in memory of a loved one they’ve lost, or to show support for others who are currently struggling with their mental health. Many run for their own personal mental health journeys. Access to mental health care continues to be a critical issue in the U.S., with more than 1 in 5 adults experiencing a mental illness each year and less than half receiving the services they need. Oftentimes, those facing mental health crisis cannot afford treatment or are underinsured. Some feel shame or perceive stigmas surrounding mental health. Over the past 10 years, the Stop the Stigma 5K has raised close to $1 million to assist New Directions’ clients, allowing hundreds of individuals and families to get the mental health care they need. By participating in the 5K, thousands of local residents have chosen to take a stand against mental health stigmas and support those experiencing mental illness and addiction. “Each year, we’ve welcomed more and more participants, and we hope to reach 1,000 this year,” said Paula Daniels, Director of Development at Interfaith Social Services and Stop the Stigma 5K’s Race Director. “This is a cause that so many of us can connect to. We want everyone to know that there is no shame in mental illness. It is okay to ask for help.” The 2026 Stop the Stigma 5K will be held April 25 at 9:30am at the Kennedy Center in North Quincy. It is a professionally timed event, with medals for winners in a variety of age levels. The 5K route winds through the Squantum neighborhood, with picturesque views of the Harbor and Boston’s skyline. Strollers and leashed pets are welcome. Participants registering before March 27 will receive a race t-shirt. Registration is open now at StoptheStigma5k.org. The event will feature a raffle, which will be posted online in April and is open to the public. The raffle features hotel stays, Red Sox tickets, restaurant certificates, gift cards and much more. Join Interfaith’s email list to get reminders about the raffle at interfaithsocialservices.org/join_email_list. The 2026 Stop the Stigma 5K is sponsored by many generous local businesses, including Presenting Level Sponsors: Arbella Insurance Foundation and Wulfpac Charitable Funding; 5K Level Sponsors: Boston Harbor Studios, The City of Quincy - Mayor Koch's Office, and The Heritage Companies; Gold Level Sponsors: Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital – Milton, Eastern Bank Charitable Foundation, J. Calnan & Associates, Kelly Financial Services, Keohane Funeral Home, MountainOne Bank, South Shore Bank, and TruNorth Bank; and Silver Level Sponsors: Bank of Canton, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, Crocker Electrical Co., Inc., Dedham Savings, First Congregational Church – Randolph, FoxRock Properties, Law Offices of William T. Kennedy, P.C., Lawson & Weitzen, LLP, Massachusetts Convention Center Authority, Point32Health, Puzzle Pieces, Rockland Recovery Group, Sean Farrell Excavation, Inc., South Shore Health, Stop & Shop, and Wessling Architects, Inc. This year’s event will feature a food truck, as well as free bagels provided by Gold Medal Bakery. Polar Beverages will be donating water for race participants. Interfaith Social Services provides South Shore residents with the resources necessary to support a healthy and fulfilling life. Their programs include one of the largest emergency food programs in Greater Boston, a mental health counseling center, homelessness prevention program, the Bureau Drawer Thrift Shop and seasonal initiatives bringing joy to children and families in need. To find out more about Interfaith’s programs, visit InterfaithSocialServices.org.