Families participate in ‘real talks’ on the airport trail. An Alaska Airlines plane flies overhead. (Photo credit: Jasz Garrett/KINY)
Juneau, Alaska (KINY) – This Saturday morning, Bartlett Regional Hospital and Anchor Counseling & Consulting held the first ever “Real Talk” walk and run on the Airport Trail.
The “real talk” started at 9am and ended around 10:30am.
The event was intended to raise awareness of maternal mental health, birth trauma, pregnancy and infant loss, and to provide information about perinatal support and resources available at Juneau.
A plus for the “Real Talk” attendees was the sunshine coming through, giving the community a chance to mingle and chat.
Terry Forst, licensed professional counselor and owner of Anchor Counseling and Consulting, spoke about the event line-up.
“We started with an 80 yard toddler trot. It was kids from 0 to 4 or 5 or so. And we had kids half a mile. Runs and walks. Quite a few participants. Toddlers.” , at least 20, and about 30 for children.”
Fors shared the motherhood groups they’re raising awareness about.
“Birth Reflection and Healing Focused on Birth Trauma. This is a quarterly series of three groups. There are “Real Talk” mother support groups and pregnancy and baby loss groups.
Forst commented on the volunteers who helped make “Real Talk” happen today.
“It was co-hosted by Bartlett Regional Hospital and Anchor Counseling and Consulting. We had many sponsors, including donating tents for the Red Dog Saloon. COPPA gave us coffee and hot chocolate. , there was a lot of help from the community to implement this.”
“Bartletthospital.orgon our website you will find a complete list of all the groups and classes that Terri does monthly and quarterly. Manager Sara Gress talked about how to connect if you miss an event.
Both Gress and Forst said the event was a success and they hope it will be held again next year.
