Raising awareness through the Hustle for Mental Health 5K
Ten years ago, DeVere Hunt, CEO of Rehabilitative Health Services (RHS), launched the Hustle for Mental Health 5K to support local nonprofit organizations and bring awareness to mental health issues in the community.
“We wanted to find a way to develop a funding revenue to donate to organizations,” Hunt said.
Held each May in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, the 5K is a family-friendly fun run that donates 100% of its proceeds to nonprofits across eastern Idaho. Over the years, the event has grown significantly in both participation and impact.
One hundred percent of the proceeds go directly to local nonprofits in the eastern Idaho area. Some of the past donations and recipients include:
-2015: $3,700 - Behavioral Health community Crisis Center
-2016: $4,500 - The Haven Shelter
-2017: $8,150 - The Center for Hope
-2018: $9,350 - Behavioral Health Crisis Center
-2019: $10,000+- QRF Phoenix
-2021: $10,500 - Soldiers of Hope
-2022: $7,850 - Bikers Against BulliesUSA, Idaho Falls & Community Youth in Action (CYA)
-2023: $12,625 - St. Vincent de Paul Idaho Falls
-2024: $20,825 - Mental Health Matters in Eastern Idaho Schools
-2025: Over $14,000 raised so far - Peoples in Need Coalition (PINC)
This year's donations will be sent to Peoples in Need Coalition, a 100% volunteer-run non-profit organization. According to RHS, they are known for their Grab & Go lunch kitchen, which provides approximately 1,800 free meals each week to those in need.
As the event continues to grow, Hunt hopes it spreads an important message.
“Mental health has a place in our community,” Hunt said.
The Hustle for Mental Health 5K is open to all ages and continues to inspire unity, awareness, and generosity across eastern Idaho.
The Hustle for Mental Health Run is on May 10 at Snake River Landing in Idaho Falls.
