Niagara University will host a 5K- run and fun walk, called "Stomp Out Stigma," on Sunday, April 29. All proceeds will benefit the Mental Health Association in Niagara County Inc. The event is co-sponsored by the university's 150 th anniversary committee and the student chapter of Active Minds.

The cost of the event, which includes a t-shirt, gym bag and post-race party, is $17 for the general public. Entries must be post-marked by April 21. Individuals may also sign-up on the day of the race for $19.

A one-mile fun walk will start from the Kiernan Center on Niagara's campus at 9 a.m. The 5K-run begins at 9:15 a.m. A post-race party and awards ceremony will take place in the Kiernan Center.

"The 'Stomp Out Stigma' event will be a wonderful way for members of Niagara University and the community-at-large to take positive steps in eroding the stigma of mental illness," said Dr. Timothy Osberg, professor of psychology at NU. "So many people suffer from mental-health problems and do not seek treatment because of the stigma."

Active Minds is Niagara's local chapter of a national organization whose aim is to promote awareness of mental-health issues on college campuses, as well as student access to appropriate care. The chapter was founded in April 2005 by Osberg and several NU students, including current officers Elaine Zamojski, Stacey Howard and Heather Collins.

For more information, contact Bill Newton, assistant director of campus activities, at 716-286-8510, or log on to http://www.niagara.edu to download a registration form.