Electronic Fall 2025 | Issue 64

Taking a Walk through Illinois: Another Successful Annual Moore Equity in Mental Health 5K for Team IPS

The APA Moore 5K just completed its fifth annual charity walk, roll, run through the Moore Equity in Mental Health 5K. This was Team IPS’s official fourth annual statewide walk! Team IPS was proud to again raise the most money for the Moore 5K among all APA district branches!

See below to hear from group leaders from the IPS designated locations:

Rockford/Western Suburbs: (written by Dr. Adrienne Adams)
As an APA and IPS leader I look forward to participating in the Annual APA and APAF Moore Equity in Mental Health 5K Run, Walk, & Roll. July is National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, which is important to me not only as a child and adolescent psychiatrist but also to me personally. I work with a lot of youth and families who often delay in seeking treatment for various reasons but sometimes even in 2025 it is due to lack of awareness. And so the mission of the APA Foundation aligns with my goals as a psychiatrist in addition to the IPS membership. Therefore, as a district branch, we have teams representing all of Illinois with the goal of raising money while having fun doing it. My Western suburb group over the years has included medical students, residents, ECP, and what I like to call MCK (my cool kids) who like to help others and so will walk with me to help increase awareness and raise money for the foundation. Our district branch continues to be the top district branch for raising money which I greatly appreciate and respect the support from our membership.

Springfield: (written by Dr. Kalyan Kandra)
From the 'Land of Lincoln' and the capital of Illinois, the Springfield team met at the famous Washington Park and covered their 5K while discussing access to care issues in Central and Southern Illinois. The team included IPS leaders such as Dr. Kalyan Kandra (Council member and Membership Chair of IPS) and Dr. Joy Houston (Immediate Past President and Chair of IPS Planning Committee). Many family members joined this noble cause and supported the Moore 5K.

Chicago: (written by Dr. Sudhakar Shenoy)
The Chicago team met early for a quick coffee and networking and then started their walk at the historic Chicago Bean/Cloudgate. Their route for the 5K took them through touristy spots like the Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Shedd Aquarium, Buckingham Fountain and Adler Planetarium. The group had a lot of fun discussing topics ranging from psychiatry and medicine to advocacy and wellbeing. IPS leaders including Dr. Karen Pierce and Dr. Kimberly Meyer shared their insights with the trainees and early career psychiatrists. Pictures from the Chicago team were even featured by the APA Foundation to its members.

Champaign: (written by Dr. Arden Barnett)
Champaign County once again supported the Moore 5K this year, and with 12 people, had more participants than ever. Psychiatrists, residents, family members and community friends all ran and walked for this good cause. We also had county residents raise this year over $700 for the 5K. Another record for us. After the 5K, everyone, though tired, agreed how worthwhile it had been, and committed to return next year!