250 Walk at Rose Bowl to Combat Mental Health Stigma

In a show of solidarity against mental health stigma, nearly 250 Pasadena residents joined Police and Fire Department leaders at the Rose Bowl on Monday morning. The group participated in the fourth annual “Walk In Remembrance” event, aimed at raising awareness for suicide prevention and mental health support.

The 3.2-mile walk, organized by the Pasadena HOPE (Homeless Outreach Psychiatric Evaluation) Team and Wellness Unit in partnership with the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health, took place from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. in Rose Bowl Lot H. It featured speeches from local leaders, resource tables providing mental health information, and food trucks.

“Education plays a crucial role in breaking down misconceptions and reducing the fear that often fuels the stigma surrounding mental health,” said Lt. Monica Cuellar, Public Information Officer of the Pasadena Police Department. “Police officers are not immune to these challenges, with suicide being a leading cause of death in law enforcement.”

KTLA 5’s Wendy Burch emceed the event for the second consecutive year, bringing personal experience with family members affected by mental health issues. Both the police chief and fire chief addressed attendees and emphasized the importance of mental health awareness among first responders.

While Mayor Victor Gordo was absent, City Manager Miguel Márquez represented the city administration. The event’s tagline, “Creating Hope Through Action,” emphasized that suicide is preventable and support is available for those in need.

The HOPE Team, which pairs police officers with mental health clinicians, incorporates suicide prevention strategies into its daily operations. They conduct regular assessments of at-risk individuals and respond to crisis situations, providing a pathway for long-term support.

Various local organizations participated, including Huntington Health, Charlie Health, and the Pasadena Public Health Department. Their involvement demonstrated a community-wide commitment to addressing mental health challenges and reducing stigma.

The annual walk, coinciding with Suicide Prevention Month, has become a significant event in Pasadena’s efforts to confront mental health issues and reflects a growing awareness of the need for open dialogue and support, particularly within the first responder community.