GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — The pandemic has been stressful for all of us and it's starting to show.
Nearly half of Americans say they suffer from anxiety or depression, according to a study by the Kaiser Family Foundation.
That's a 30% increase since 2019.
Vonnie Woodrick is the founder of I Understand, which focuses on supporting those who lost a loved one by suicide or have a loved one struggling with mental health.
Woodrick says in order to lend more support to those who need it they've recently launched a monthly online support group, "For us to be able to bring understanding on a topic that is so misunderstood it shows compassion and it gives everyone who attends our group hope."
May is Mental Health Awareness Month and I Understand is holding a dog walk fundraiser on Saturday, May 16.
It includes a socially distanced walk with water stops and gift bags for your pup and a chance to win a portrait drawing of your dog.
You can help support I Understand by attending the dog walk:
- Saturday, May 16, 2021
- 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
- Roselle Park
- 1010 Grand River Dr NE, Ada, MI 49301
Your $10 registration fee includes:
Entry in a drawing for a custom dog portrait valued at $800. Submit your dog photo after registration to: info@iunderstandloveheals.org.
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