COMMUNITIES
Bluebird 5K Run on Labor Day raises awareness about suicide prevention
Special to the Tallahassee Democrat
USA TODAY NETWORK – Florida
Aug. 31, 2026, 5:05 a.m. ET
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Tallahassee invites the local community to come together for hope, healing, and connection at the 2026 Bluebird 5K Run/Walk for Mental Health Awareness and Suicide Prevention on Monday, Sept. 7, for the 12th Annual Bluebird 5K & Health Fair
The event is held on Labor Day each year and is set for 7-10 a.m. at J. R. Alford Greenway, 2500 Pedrick Road. The Bluebird Run/Walk raises awareness about mental health, honors loved ones who have died by suicide, and directly supports NAMI Tallahassee’s free mental health programs
The event features a professionally chip-timed 5K run, an untimed 5K run, and a 1-mile walk. Enjoy music, a community mental wellness fair, snacks, awards, and more. Participants also have the opportunity to visit Memory Lane, a special tribute area honoring our loved ones who we have lost to suicide
“We could look at Bluebird as just a race, but we know it’s so much more than that,” said Amber O’Connell, Executive Director of NAMI Tallahassee. “It’s an event that also allows us to honor the loved ones we’ve lost to suicide and lift up stories of hope and mental health recovery. It’s connection meeting compassion. We just want everyone to know they are not alone.”
More than 700 participants are expected to attend this year’s event, making it one of the largest community mental health awareness events in North Florida
Funds raised through the Bluebird Run/Walk directly support NAMI Tallahassee’s free programs,including the following:
- Mental health classes
- Peer and family support groups
- Youth mental health presentations in schools
- Mental health advocacy in Florida policy
- Workplace mental wellness programs
- Community outreach, and more
Join runners, walkers, NAMI members, families, and friends from across Tallahassee (and beyond!) as we come together for mental health and suicide awareness
If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, depression, or other mental health challenges, you’re not alone. Help is available — confidentially and free of charge. Whether you’re in crisis or simply need someone to talk to, there are trained professionals ready to listen and support you 24/7
- Apalachee Center in Tallahassee offers a 24/7 Mental Health Helpline: The Mobile Response Team (MRT), available any day, any time at 800-342-0774. Those looking for long-term mental health support like therapy can visit Apalachee Center during Same-Day Access to become a new client. Find more information at ApalacheeCenter.org/SameDay.
- National Alliance on Mental Illness has local chapters that hold online, peer-led support groups for people to share their experiences and gain support from others. Find more information at nami.org.
- Veterans: Call 988 then press 1 to receive specialized support for veterans and their families. Find more information at veteranscrisisline.net.
- Immediate Crisis Support: Call or text the 988 suicide and crisis lifeline to receive help for anyone in emotional distress, suicidal crisis, or concerned about someone els.. Find more information at 988lifeline.org.
- Youth Support: Call 800-852-8336 between 6-10 p.m. PT or text “TEEN” to 839863 to receive peer-to-peer support for teens, supervised by mental health professionals. Find more information at teenline.org.
If you go
What: 2026 Bluebird 5K Run/Walk for Mental Health Awareness and Suicide Prevention
When: 7-10 a.m. Monday, Sept. 7
Where: J.R. Alford Greenway, 2500 Pedrick Road
Registration: Visit runsignup.com. Regisitration is$30-$20 in advance; $35-$25 on race day
