Freedom Run 2025

ZANESVILLE, Ohio – The 3rd annual Freedom Run 5K event took place today at the OUZ-Zane State campus.

116 people of all ages along with several dogs with various breeds participated in the fundraiser that helps to support many of the programs and services, which are offered by Muskingum Behavioral Health.

“It’s the main fundraiser that we do,” Muskingum Behavioral Health CEO Yolanda Taylor said. “We love the fact that we can get out into the community and bring the community together, to do something together. And to support one another for those that are in recovery or those that may be struggling with recovery. And for our prevention services and our peer recovery supporters.”

Proceeds from today’s event will help to bring drug and behavioral education to the schools, support recovery and treatment programs, in addition to offering comfort and encouragement to those who may be overwhelmed by stress and anxiety. 

“This is the third year that our family has come out to support this,” Event Sponsor and Participant Sarah Wickerham said. “We can’t think of anything that is better than supporting the mental health of our county, of our community. And so we really just enjoy it because there’s something for everybody. We even have our grandparents that come out with us because they can participate. But then we’ve got kids that run, kids that walk and it’s just a great fun way to see animals and everybody all at once. It’s just really fun.”

Many of the services that Muskingum Behavioral Health offer to their clients often carry a stigma or are ignored by most people in the community until they find out that a friend or loved one is dealing with an issue that Muskingum Behavioral Health can provide their specialized help with.