On June 9th, 2018, friends, family and mental health professionals gathered with those experiencing obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) to walk in solidarity and raise awareness of OCD. The One Million Steps 4 OCD walk, coordinated by the International OCD Foundation (IOCDF), is now in its sixth year as a national event. This is the second year the Asheville chapter has participated. Under the shade trees of the French Broad River Park, the group enjoyed snacks and conversation before starting the approximately three mile walk. Dr. Haley Elder opened the event welcoming participants and telling the story of the origins of the walk.
The event, sponsored by the CBT Center of WNC, included signs along the route with facts about OCD. The beautiful warm weather drew a large crowd of outdoors enthusiasts to the public park who were able to learn about the disorder as they enjoyed their picnics, jogging, and walking their dogs.
Each year as more grassroots chapters organize awareness walks, the generous contributions from participants goes to support research and availability of effective care for OCD across the country. To learn more about OCD or to make a contribution, click here.
Photos by Katie Kelleher.