Jude Sandala
Mental Health America of the Palm Beaches Celebrates Successful Lead with Love 5K and March for Mental Wellness
Community Event at Dreher Park Brought Together Runners, Walkers, Families, and Advocates in Support of Mental Health Awareness
Boca Raton, FL — May 10, 2026 — As May marks Mental Health Awareness Month, Mental Health America of the Palm Beaches (MHAPB) is celebrating the success of its recently held Lead with Love 5K and March for Mental Wellness, which took place at Dreher Park in West Palm Beach. The event brought together runners, walkers, families, volunteers, advocates, and community partners for a meaningful morning centered on mental wellness, movement, mindfulness, creativity, and human connection.
Held in support of Palm Beach County neighbors living with mental health challenges, Lead with Love encouraged the community to show up for one another in a powerful and visible way. Proceeds from the event support MHAPB’s peer support and community-based programs, which help individuals find friendship, purpose, employment, belonging, and the encouragement needed to build fulfilling lives.
This year’s event also marked the debut of the Wellness Journey Walk, an immersive experience designed to nurture the mind, body, and spirit. Participants moved through curated wellness stations featuring yoga and breathwork, a live drum circle, neuroarts experiences, rock painting, and other activities focused on reflection, stress relief, creativity, and connection.
“At Mental Health America of the Palm Beaches, we believe that belonging is essential to mental wellness,” said Andy McAusland, CEO of MHAPB. “Lead with Love was a beautiful reminder of what happens when a community comes together with compassion. Every runner, walker, volunteer, sponsor, and supporter helped send the message that no one should have to face mental health challenges alone.”
The event featured a 5K run, a Kids Dash for children ages 8 and under, and the Wellness Journey Walk, giving participants of all ages and abilities a way to take part. From families cheering on young runners to community members participating in mindfulness activities, the morning reflected MHAPB’s mission to create a supportive community where all people can flourish.
The timing is especially meaningful as communities across the country recognize Mental Health Awareness Month throughout May. For MHAPB, the month serves as an important reminder that mental health is part of overall health and that connection, compassion, and belonging are essential to helping people feel supported.
As loneliness and isolation continue to impact mental health across the country, MHAPB’s Lead with Love event highlighted the importance of social connection as a powerful protector of well-being. Through shared movement, creativity, and community, the event helped foster the kind of bonds that support people not only in the moment, but through life’s more difficult seasons.
To learn more about Mental Health America of the Palm Beaches and its programs, visit mhapalmbeaches.org.
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