Simple acts — a walk in the park with a friend, a beginner’s yoga class — can profoundly impact one’s well-being. We champion programs fostering social connections, supporting mental and emotional health. This year, we estimate that our supported programs provided mental health or peer support services to nearly 70,000 individuals and physical activities to nearly half a million more, empowering people to flourish through connection and activity.
Sports Meets Health: Health screenings and mindfulness programs encourage Special Olympics athletes
A Prescription for Nature and Mental Wellness: Getting outdoor leads to renewed perspective
The rhythmic pounding of 650 feet on pavement, the cheers of a town united, the vibrant energy of a community tradition — this is the Parkersburg News and Sentinel Half Marathon. More than just a race, it’s a powerful illustration of community spirit and the vital importance of heart health. According to the American Heart Association, heart failure cases are projected to surge to 8.5 million Americans by 2030 — the race's focus on physical activity couldn’t be timelier.
For over two decades, we have proudly supported this event, witnessing firsthand its profound impact. We believe in the transformative power of movement and the strengthening bonds forged through shared experiences. We know that even 10 minutes of running can significantly lower cardiovascular disease risk, and walking offers similar benefits. But the Parkersburg Half Marathon offers something more: a profound sense of community and connection.
This year’s race, a scenic journey through West Virginia’s picturesque landscape, showcased the deep roots of this community tradition. Art Smith, co-director and a Parkersburg News and Sentinel veteran, beams, “I love seeing the community come together. The mayor starts the race, volunteers pour their time into it, local businesses donate — it’s what makes a town a true community.”
Steve Browning, the other co-director, embodies the race’s enduring spirit. For 36 years, he hasn’t missed a single run, a testament to the deep connections he’s forged through participation. He’s one of only two people to participate every year since the race’s inception. “This race is the best of Parkersburg,” Browning affirms, “bringing people together in a way you rarely see.”
The race’s success is a testament to the dedication of its volunteers, many returning year after year, building relationships, and strengthening community bonds. Smith proudly recounts awarding medals to participants who have run for over 30 years, becoming honorary members of the town, demonstrating the lasting impact of shared experiences. Generations now run together, including Smith’s own daughters, carrying on the tradition and strengthening family ties.
Browning, a seasoned marathoner, offers advice to aspiring runners: “Start with the run/walk method, attend a running clinic, and gradually increase your distance. It takes about a year to train for a halfmarathon, but the challenge is worth it, and the sense of accomplishment and camaraderie you’ll gain is even greater.”
The Parkersburg Half Marathon isn’t just a race; it’s a powerful symbol of community, tradition, and wellness.
Since 1968, the Special Olympics has harnessed the power of sports to transform lives, empowering 5 million athletes across 180 countries. More than just athletic competition, Special Olympics aims to reshape how athletes with intellectual disabilities view themselves and how the world sees them. This transformative work is done completely free of charge to athletes and families, ensuring that financial barriers never stand in the way of participation.
Highmark shares this unwavering commitment to inclusion and has partnered with Special Olympics Pennsylvania (SOPA) for over a decade, supporting their mission to provide year-round sports training and competition. SOPA offers athletes the opportunity to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy, and build lasting friendships. Central to this mission is Unified Sports®, which unites athletes with and without intellectual disabilities, breaking down barriers and fostering genuine connection.
Andrew Fee, SOPA’s vice president of strategic partnerships, explains, “Unified Sports is one of our most powerful programs. We’re removing labels, just playing sports. It’s growing in schools and across the state.” This inclusive spirit is amplified by Allegheny Health Network’s (AHN) significant contribution, providing free, non-invasive health screenings in eight disciplines — from eye exams to dental checks — at SOPA events. “We’re on track to screen our 15,000th athlete in 2025,” Fee says, “demonstrating the critical need for these services.”
Recognizing that many SOPA athletes face health disparities, AHN’s support goes beyond one-day screenings. The focus is on long-term well-being, including crucial mental health support, which is where the innovative Strong Minds program steps in. This mindfulness initiative provides athletes with adaptive coping skills to navigate the challenges and pressures of competition.
The AHN Pop Up Chill Room™, an initiative of AHN Chill Project, is a calming space offering evidenced-based emotional wellness coping skills and relaxation techniques to further support mental wellness. This year, AHN Pop Up Chill Room and two expert behavioral health team members were deployed to SOPA events. Dr. William Davies, director of AHN Chill Project, stated, “We were honored by the opportunity to serve the SOPA community and provide support to participants, coaches, and families, helping them with the stress of competition, and providing skills to enhance their overall wellbeing.” The impact was profound.
Jordan C. Schubert, a Special Olympics Pennsylvania athlete, powerfully describes its effects, “This past Summer Games was difficult… we didn’t win a single game. But the Chill Room allowed my teammates and I a quiet space… to forget about our frustration. After spending time there, we left in higher spirits and played better. Even though we lost, we still walked off the court smiling!”
Through our partnership with SOPA and AHN’s vital contributions, we help create a supportive environment where athletes not only achieve athletic excellence but also nurture their mental and emotional well-being — a testament to the power of sports to transform lives, both on and off the field.
Unified Sports® is a registered program of Special Olympics, bringing together people with and without intellectual disabilities on the same team to foster inclusion, build friendships, and promote social equity through the power of sports. Special Olympics Pennsylvania is proud to partner with Highmark to expand access to Unified Sports®, creating opportunities for individuals of all abilities to compete, grow, and thrive together.
In a world increasingly dominated by screens and fast-paced lives, the restorative power of nature offers a vital counterpoint. We recognize this, partnering with ParkRx in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, to unlock nature’s profound benefits for mental well-being.
Michelle McKeown, program manager of Dauphin County Parks and Recreation, explains the program’s genesis, “Our parks saw a surge in use as people sought solace and connection during the pandemic. We knew the mental health benefits of nature were undeniable. Highmark immediately understood the need and we launched the ParkRx series in 2021.”
ParkRx’s goal is to create diverse programs that appeal to all ages and interests, improving cognitive, emotional, and social well-being. Over 100 programs — from sunset sound meditations and forest bathing to West African drumming — offer a wide range of experiences designed to foster a lifelong connection with nature. The program’s success is evident in the transformations it inspires. One couple, empowered by an outdoor survival course, went on to pursue backpacking, a testament to ParkRx’s ability to build confidence and encourage new adventures.
Scientific evidence supports ParkRx’s premise. Studies consistently demonstrate that exposure to nature reduces stress, improves cognitive function, lowers blood pressure, and enhances mood. In our increasingly technology-driven world, connecting people to nature’s restorative power is more crucial than ever.
Currently, eight Dauphin County parks offer ParkRx programs, reaching 1,914 participants in 2024 through 112 programs. Most programs are free or subsidized, ensuring accessibility for all. The program’s reach extends to rural communities, offering vital opportunities for connection and well-being.
McKeown highlights ParkRx’s holistic approach, “We create positive experiences that range in ability level, incorporating physical activities like yoga and hiking alongside mental wellness programs like sound meditation and art therapy.” This culturally rich programming also benefits the local economy, with participants continuing their training at local businesses, fostering community growth and awareness.
ParkRx isn’t just about accessing nature; it’s about nurturing the mind, body, and spirit — a powerful prescription for a healthier, happier life. We are proud to be a part of this vital initiative.
