Electronic Fall 2026 | Issue 68
Team IPS Walks through Another Successful Moore Equity in Mental Health 5K
Intro written by: Adrienne Adams, MD, MS, DFAPA, DFAACAP, DFASAM
Co-Chair HEAR-C, Immediate Past President
The APA Moore 5K just completed its six annual charity walk, roll, run and IPS’s official fifth annual statewide walk. Our District Branch continues to be the top District Branch team and in the top ten for APA teams. The Moore Equity in Mental Health initiative established by the APA to commemorate the Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health awareness month which is observed during the month of July since 2008 when the U.S. House of Representatives declared July as Bebe More Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month. In 2021 the American Psychiatric Association developed and launched the Moore Equity in Mental Health Initiative, a collection of mental health awareness and educational activities named in honor of Bebe Moore Campbell, a staunch mental health advocate and award-winning author, who worked tirelessly to shed light on the mental health
needs of communities of color.
As Co-Chair for the Health Equity Anti-Racism Committee (HEAR-C), we have encouraged participation in the 5K Moore Equity Walk for the last 5 years as one of our sponsored activities. This year we had our six teams, our first group based in Chicago and our other five teams in surrounding Chicagoland and cities below highway 80.
See below to hear from group leaders from various IPS designated locations:
Western Suburbs/Rockford: (written by Dr. Adrienne Adams)
I have been team captain for the Western Suburbs team for the last 5 years where all are welcomed members, families and friends. I always look forward each year to this event both for the sense of community and inclusion knowing across the nation other district branches are participating in honor of this
worthy cause.
Western Suburbs/Rockford: (written by Dr. Samantha Versluis)
A few of my coresidents had the opportunity to participate in the Moore Equity 5K walk. It was a wonderful chance to support a meaningful cause while spending time outdoors and enjoying the beauty of our community. It was a great opportunity to connect outside of the hospital, build, camaraderie, and enjoy some time together as co-residents
Chicago: (written by Dr. Sudhakar Shenoy)
On July 11, 2026, members of the Illinois Psychiatric Society (IPS) came together in downtown Chicago for the Moore 5K, combining a beautiful summer walk with an opportunity for connection, camaraderie, and fundraising. Led by Dr. Sudhakar Shenoy, the group of 11 participants gathered at Cloud Gate (“The Bean”) in Millennium Park before making their way along Chicago’s lakefront to the Adler Planetarium and back. IPS President Dr. Steve Weinstein joined the group for the event, which offered spectacular views of the lake and skyline on an ideal Chicago summer day. The participants represented an especially broad cross-section of the psychiatric community, including medical students, residents, fellows, academic faculty, practicing psychiatrists, and retired psychiatrists. Beyond supporting the Moore 5K fundraiser, the walk provided an informal setting for members at different stages of their careers to meet, exchange experiences, and strengthen connections within the IPS community. The conversations and camaraderie along the lakefront underscored the value of bringing members together outside of traditional professional settings and made for a memorable morning of community, networking, and shared purpose.
Springfield: (written by Dr. Kalyan Kandra)
Serving as the Springfield team captain for this year’s Moore Equity in Mental Health 5K was a tremendous privilege and a powerful reminder of the importance of community advocacy. Organizing our local efforts provided a unique platform to engage with colleagues and neighbors on a critical issue: bridging the gap in mental healthcare disparities. The collective energy of the event was truly inspiring, reinforcing how essential it is to show up, raise awareness, and actively champion equitable, compassionate care for everyone.
Champaign: (written by Dr. Mercy Eigbike and Dr. Arden Barnett)
It was with a strong sense of community and solidarity that our group defied the weather to complete our task. Our goal at the forefront of our minds was the support we wanted to show for the provision of mental health services in our community for minority populations. This year the 5K locally was led by IPS Council member Mercy Eigbike, and Carle Health psychiatry resident Danielle King. The day had an ominous beginning, with gray storm clouds and winds buffeting throughout the morning. The rain started and did not stop. But supporters of the Moore 5K in Champaign had made a commitment. We met that morning and decided to do the 5K despite the weather. And it turned out we had more participants this year than any of the other prior four 5K’s in Champaign. Nineteen people strong braved the elements to do the 5K. These were psychiatrists, residents, family members, and other members of the community, both physician and non-physicians. We were able to raise close to 1,000 dollars for the community grants to be provided. But everyone agreed we hope the weather will be better next year! We’ll be back!
