Organizers of the 4th annual Walk for Wellness, which included the Coconino Health and Human Services and First Things First, gather for a group photo before the event begins at Buffalo Park in Flagstaff. Photo by Frank X. Moraga ©2025
By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth
FLAGSTAFF — From hikers to bikers to strollers, a variety of individuals and families enjoyed a beautiful spring day in Flagstaff, and gained some valuable information on physical and mental health, at the 4th annual Walk for Wellness event held on Saturday, May 10 at Buffalo Park in Flagstaff. The event is a celebration of Mental Health Awareness Month nationally and in Coconino County.
Flagstaff City Councilmember Khara House read a proclamation during the event recognizing May as Mental Health Awareness Month in Flagstaff.
A total of 140 people signed up for the walk, beating last year’s total, said Theresa Kulpinski of Coconino County Health and Human Services AZ Health Zone/First Things First Quality First, who organized the event with Kathy Farretta of First Things First.
Organizers said event was designed to make taking care of your physical and mental health a habit, raise awareness, reduce the stigma of mental health and enjoy a walk with family and friends.
Those participating in the event as sponsors and supporting organizations included Anderson General Tire, Arizona State Parks & Trails, Coconino Anti-Tobacco Students (CATS), Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth, Coconino County Health and Human Services AZ Health Zone, Girl Scouts, The Guidance Center, Native Americans for Community Action (NACA), Pioneer Title Agency, Terros Health, Tynkertopia and We Care Northern Arizona.
Those who enjoyed the hike around Buffalo Park were also greeted with traditional flute music by Hunter RedDay and a performance by members of the West African Drum Class in Flagstaff.
Visitors line up for free t-shirts and information during the 4th annual Walk for Wellness event. Photos by Frank X. Moraga ©2025
Flagstaff City Councilmember Khara House prepares to read the proclamation recognizing May as Mental Health Awareness Month.
Flagstaff City Councilmember Khara House read a proclamation recognizing May as Mental Health Awareness Month.
Providing information on emergency and mobile mental health services are members from Terros Health.
Native Americans for Community Action (NACA) provided information on health and other family enrichment programs.
Arizona State Parks & Trails provided information on Riordan Mansion in Flagstaff and other local programs.
The Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth provided information on its library of free parent and youth mindfulness webinars.
Coconino Anti-Tobacco Students (CATS) provided a variety information on anti smoking programs.
Girl Scouts provided information on a variety of outdoor programs in Northern Arizona.
Tynkertopia in Flagstaff provided a variety of STEM and other educational programs.
A steady group of visitors gathered information during the 4th annual Walk for Wellness event, above and below.
Unofficial mental health pet therapy was provided as visitors brought their pets for a morning walk and hug.
Pets pose for their formal portrait.
Pet hugging time.
Members of the West African Drum Class in Flagstaff entertain walkers at Buffalo Park. Photo by Rene RedDay.
The group played a variety of music.
The steady drumbeat could be heard throughout Buffalo Park.
Getting into the steady beat can provide some calmness at the West African Drum Class in Flagstaff.
Musician Hunter RedDay provided calming and moving indigenous flute music during the event.
