Niagara University will host a 5-kilometer run and fun walk called "Stomp Out Stigma" on Sunday, April 27. All proceeds will benefit the Mental Health Association of Niagara County Inc. The event is co-sponsored by the university's Campus Programming Board, Student Government Association and the student chapter of Active Minds.

The first 200 registered participants will receive a t-shirt and commemorative pint glass. The cost of the event is $19 for the general public. Entries must be post-marked by April 17. Individuals may also sign up on the day of the race for $22.

A one-mile fun walk will start from the Kiernan Center on Niagara's campus at 9 a.m. The 5-K 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." Last year's inaugural event raised $2,000 for the Mental Health Association of Niagara County Inc.

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.

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.