More than 40 locals gathered at Austin Manor on Friday to walk together and raise awareness for mental health.

For the 15th year, local mental health organizations and the Mower County local advisory committee organized the event. The walk and community gathering helps tear down social barriers and preconceived thoughts that some people may have about mental issues, said Anita Bissinger, who is the treatment director at Austin Manor and was handing out T-shirts on Friday.

Participants left from Austin Manor, visited Cedar Valley Services and walked to The Bridge on Oakland Avenue E.

Bissinger spoke well of Mower County’s efforts to support mental health, including its funding for organizations like The Bridge, which offers movies, games and community gatherings for mental health patients.

“Mower County does not realize how lucky we are to have an organization like The Bridge,” she said.

Many Bridge participants and volunteers attended the walk, including Scott Baudler, The Bridge coordinator.

“It’s a friendly place where people who are recovering from mental issues feel no prejudice,” he said.

While The Bridge offers that atmosphere, Baudler said, the walk keeps reminding people that those with mental health issues don’t need to be avoided.

“We’ve been around, and we deserve respect and dignity; and you don’t need to be afraid of us,” Baudler said.

Bissinger added that the walk helps create awareness that people aren’t defined by mental health issues, just like people with cancer don’t introduce themselves as cancer patients.

“It’s not a statement,” she said. “It’s about who the person is.”