If you are Emily Gagne, log in to update your page.

Goal: $2,000.00

$2,140.00 donated

I first participated in the HIKE for Mental Health in 2018. Seeing a group of people made up of strangers, friends, and families all take on Mount Washington to support as a team is truly incredible. Every person there has their own story, their own reason for showing up at the base of the mountain before 7 am. Hiking is a perfect analogy for living with a mental health disorder. When you are at the base of the mountain, looking up at the summit, it feels impossible to ever reach it, but somehow you start hiking. Your hike may have unexpected switchbacks or water crossings that are harder to cross than ever. The trail might suddenly start descending again, leaving you wondering how you will ever reach the top. Maybe you realize you don’t have to do this hike all alone, and you ask for help getting to the top. And that’s where mental health research and funding comes in. There are an estimated 350 people needing care for every 1 mental health provider in the U.S. Over a third of adults with mental health disorders report not being able to receive care, with the cost of care being one of the most prevalent boundaries. There is a lot of work to be done to improve the state of mental health in the U.S., and you can help!

Why should you support mental health?

• Some facts about the state of mental health in the U.S. (NAMI.org, 2021; CDC 2021)
  • 1 in 5 adults in the U.S. experience mental illness
  • Over 220,000 adults in New Hampshire experience a mental health condition (more than 5x the population of Concord!)
  • 1 in 6 U.S. youth ages 6-17 live with a mental health disorder
    • suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death for ages 10-14 
    • High schoolers with depression are 2x more likely to drop out
  • In the U.S. every 11 minutes 1 person dies by suicide 
    • 12.3 million adults seriously consider suicide
    • 3.5 million made a plan
    • 1.7 million attempt
• By supporting this incredible organization you can help to…
  • end the stigma surrounding mental illness
  • fund research and programming for mental illness
  • show that mental health is just as important as physical health!

How is my donation being used?

• HIKE for Mental Health is an all-volunteer, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
• All contributions are tax-deductible and 100% of the hike donations support our mission.
• 80% of the amount raised is used to fund mental health programs and breakthrough scientific research regarding mental illnesses.
• The remaining 20% is used to maintain wilderness trails across the U.S.
• For more information visit the “Where the money goes” section of the website.

Please consider supporting this amazing cause whether that is through a monetary donation, words of support, or joining me on August 26th!