Youth Services of Bryan County, Inc. has a program called Bryan County Systems of Care that helps children with behavioral or emotional difficulties as well as their families. The goal is to keep the child in their home, in their community and in their school.

Organizers say the program in itself is an amazing thing for local families and throughout the state. However, the program in Bryan County does not stop there. It has also worked with local schools to help educate teens on good mental health, listen to voices of students, and help with a Peer Mediation program. Within this school year, Bryan County Systems of Care has helped put on a tea party to educate female students on important topics and has created a mural at a local park in conjunction with a local schools art club. Those are just a couple of highlights. Bryan County Systems of Care activities have sparked the beginning of yoga classes for teens as well. (There have been 2 teachers within the school year at 2 different schools that have chosen to lead yoga classes or “stress stretching” for a period of time to help the students.)

During one of the meetings Bryan County Systems of Care staff had with the Silo Public School’s Peer Mediation group, the students decided they wanted a Relaxation Garden at their school to be used when classes are held outside and for “stress stretching” (yoga). However, the teens knew they would need a fundraiser to make this happen. The teens wanted to have a 5k in order to raise money as well as raise awareness of mental health since May is Mental Health Awareness Month. (Exercise is good for our mental and physical health).

Youth Services of Bryan County, Inc. is hoping to support the teens in their effort. There is a wonderful committee that came together in support of this event and to help the teens’ idea come to fruition. It is made up of individuals from local mental health and health related businesses. The committee is passionate about helping get this first 5k off the ground.

The first ever Living Life Well 5k Run will take place on Saturday, May 19 at Market Square in Durant, corner of 1st St. and Evergreen. The race will be time chipped, a certified course and awards will be given for overall male and female and aged groups. Feel free to wear tutus, crazy socks and silly hats. Bring the kids, strollers and dogs. Walk or run.

Registration will begin at 7 a.m., the race will begin at 8 a.m., the fun run will begin at 9 a.m. and awards and raffle drawings will take place at 10 a.m. People can register three ways: 1. Go online at earlysignup.com/livinglifewell, 2. Youth Services of Bryan County, Inc. 1105 Lynnwood Durant, OK or 3. Nautilus-703 W Main St, Durant, OK 74701. Fun run fee: $10.00; Registration $25.00; Day of race registration $30.00.

Goodie bags and T-shirts will be given. Raffle prizes: 1 year free membership to Nautilus Fitness Gym, electric treadmill and health basket (includes: yoga mat and dvds, bands and few more fun items). A timing chip will be given it is to be worn on your ankle, if you do not wear the chip you will not be timed. The timing chips will be collected at the finish line and must be returned, if not returned you will be charged a $25.00 fee for non-returned chips.