Van Buren County residents of all ages are invited to participate in the county’s first-ever Mental Health Walk on Saturday, October 10, 2026, in recognition of World Mental Health Awareness Day.
Hosted by the Van Buren Intermediate School District’s Youth Collaborative, the free community event will take place from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Van Buren Tech, 250 South St., Lawrence, MI 49064. Participants should follow event signage to the walking path located north of the Van Buren Tech Center.
The Mental Health Walk is designed as a welcoming, low-pressure, open-house-style event where community members can learn about local mental health resources, build resilience, and explore practical wellness tools. Rather than a structured race or 5K, the less-than-half-mile walk allows participants to move through the event at their own pace between 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.
Throughout the event, participants will have the opportunity to visit interactive stations featuring skills from the Community Resilience Model (CRM), an evidence-based framework that helps individuals understand the nervous system and develop practical skills for building resilience. All stations and activities are optional.
The event will also feature opportunities to connect with local agencies and providers, a touch-a-truck experience, and a free book giveaway for the first 100 toddlers who attend. Free sack lunches will be available to the first 100 participants.
The event is hosted by the VBISD Youth Collaborative in collaboration with Bronson, Van Buren Community Mental Health, Van Buren County Youth Court, VBISD Great Start, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, and the Lions Club.
“We’re excited to host the Van Buren Youth Collaborative’s first annual Mental Health Awareness Walk on October 10, World Mental Health Awareness Day. This free, family-friendly event is an opportunity for people of all ages to connect with local mental health resources, learn simple resilience strategies, and enjoy a short walk together. We hope the community will come as they are, rain or shine, and join us in creating greater awareness and support for positive mental health,” said Paula Kana’an.
The walking route includes both paved and grassy areas on the VBISD campus and Van Buren Tech Center grounds. Participants are encouraged to dress appropriately for the weather and terrain.
Event Details
What: Van Buren County Mental Health Walk
When: Saturday, October 10, 2026, 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Where: Van Buren Tech, 250 South St., Lawrence, MI 49064
Cost: Free
Who: Community members of all ages
Weather: Rain or shine
Walk: Less than ½ mile, unstructured and self-paced
Contact: pkanaan@vbisd.org