Upcoming Boilermaker Half-marathon & 5K supports behavioral health; discounted fees available

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), exercise has been researched and validated for treating a variety of mental issues and mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, eating disorders, bipolar disorders, schizophrenia, addictions, grief, relationship problems, dementia and personality disorders. See the 2021 “Exercise Plays Key Role in Mental Health  & Well-Being” article for key findings and data from recent research on the topic. Additionally, Healthline’s article, “Exercise May Be More Effective Than Drugs for Managing Mental Health: What to Know,” provides even more data-specific information on the benefits.

“Medications used in the treatment of mental illness can increase levels of serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain,” said Whitney Soto, RN health coach at the Center for Healthy Living on Purdue’s West Lafayette campus. “Physical activity itself can also trigger the release of serotonin and dopamine. These neurotransmitters help regulate mood and energy, increase motivation, reduce stress and more.”

As a reminder, Human Resources is again offering discounted registration fees for the 12th annual Boilermaker Half-Marathon & 5K, which takes place Oct. 21 on Purdue’s West Lafayette campus. The event supports the behavioral health, financial wellness, physical health and social wellness pillars of the Healthy Boiler Program.

Human Resources is once again offering a 50% discount on registration fees for both the 5K and the half-marathon for Purdue faculty and staff.

The discount codes and fees for the 2023 Boilermaker Half-Marathon & 5K are as follows:

• HealthyBoilerHalf for $30 registration fee (plus online processing) for the Boilermaker Half-Marathon.
• HealthyBoiler5k for the $15 registration fee (plus online processing) for the Boilermaker 5K.

The discount codes expire at 11:59 p.m. Sept. 30. Registration is available here.

Race T-shirts are guaranteed for those who register by Oct. 13.

More information  

Questions can be directed to Human Resources at 765-494-2222, toll-free at 877-725-0222 or via email at hr@purdue.edu.

Event-specific information is available on the 2023 Purdue Boilermaker Half-Marathon & 5K webpage.

ADDITIONAL MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES

To assist faculty and staff

Review the “Mental Health Resources” webpage for a variety of available resources for faculty and staff, including behavioral health resources for all Purdue campuses and information on Purdue’s health plan coverage for mental health and substance abuse. 

To assist students

Faculty and staff who work with students or have a student at home can direct them to the resources below for behavioral health assistance. Note: United Healthcare Student Resources (UHCSR) — medical plan provider for students and graduate students — offers 292 unique mental health providers serving at various locations that are in-network with UHCSR within Tippecanoe County. The list is available here. Additionally, students have access to HealthiestYou, which provides virtual access to mental health care as part of UHCSR’s plan. All services are free for students covered under the UHCSR insurance plan. 

Office of the Dean of Students:

• Continuous Network of Support
• Services and Information
• Presentations & Trainings
• Student of Concern Reporting Link

Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS):

• Therapy Services at CAPS
• Self-help Resources
• Group Therapy
• CAPS YouTube channel
• NAMI On Campus — a free, virtual support group on campus
• Thriving Campus — service that provides students a way to search for mental health providers in many areas, locally and across the country
• TAO — web- and app-based mental health resource