The NCANA Run for Joy 5K

The NCANA Run for Joy is a 5K race that supports mental health advocacy and wellness for health care trainees. Mental health issues and suicide are becoming increasingly common among health care trainees and providers.  Training programs are usually very rigorous, caring for patients is stressful, and those who care for others often feel that they can’t or shouldn’t admit that they need care themselves. Unfortunately, there is often a stigma associated with mental illness, and trainees may feel that admitting that they struggle could damage their careers.     Run for Joy seeks to combat this stigma and support the mental wellness of heath care trainees. Proceeds from the race help finance initiatives that enhance mental wellness and provide support for those needing mental health services. Donations and race proceeds are managed by Run for Joy, Inc, a charitable organization established for this purpose. Run for Joy was started after the tragic death of Katelyn Joy Beardsley. Katelyn w