One out of five children living in the United States will experience a mental disorder in a given year, but many families in the Triangle cannot afford the help their children desperately need.

In conjunction with Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week, the Lucy Daniels Center of Cary will hold its second annual Inside Out 5K Run/Walk for Children’s Mental Health this Saturday, May 2 at 8 a.m., with proceeds directly benefiting the center’s Family Support Fund.

Following the run/walk, live music will be provided by The Heartfelt Chickens, as well as activities including corn hole, chair massages, face painting, and arts and crafts.

Also on Saturday, the center will host a ribbon cutting ceremony for the Community Therapeutic Teaching Garden, at 10:30 a.m.                   

The 1,400-square-foot garden includes an outdoor classroom and family activity areas, and serves as a community source for fresh produce and food pantry donations. Community programming will include classes on horticulture therapy, farm to table, and STEM in the garden.

The Lucy Daniels Center is a nationally-recognized model for childhood mental health education and services, and is the Triangle’s largest and most comprehensive nonprofit focused on providing mental health services to young children and their families. 

Currently, 90 percent of families receiving services at the center pay less than the full cost of services rendered.

“Sadly, mental health treatment has become a privilege for many children,” said Donald Rosenblitt, M.D., executive and clinical director of the Lucy Daniels Center. “The Family Support Fund helps ensure that all our families are able to receive services regardless of their ability to pay.”

The race begins at the Lucy Daniels Center, located at 9003 Weston Parkway in Cary. Early registration price is $30 for all participants; day-of registration is $35. Prizes will be awarded to the top runners in each age bracket.

To find out more about Saturday’s events, visit lucydanielscenter.org.