On October 18, 2024, the local advocacy group OCD Awareness SCV will host a community event aimed at raising awareness of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and providing support for individuals affected by the condition. This annual walk is designed to combat stigma and improve access to treatment, with many sufferers waiting an average of 17 years before receiving effective care.
This year marks the fifth iteration of the event, which is produced in collaboration with OCD SoCal and the International OCD Foundation. The event will take place from 10 a.m. to noon at Fair Oaks Park, located at 17468 Honey Maple St., Santa Clarita. Participation is free and open to the public.
Event Highlights and Community Impact
Attendees can expect a range of activities designed to foster community and share success stories related to OCD. The event will feature interactive activities and educational resources, culminating in a walk around the park that supports the IOCDF’s initiative, “One Million Steps for OCD.”
Founded in 2020 as a grassroots volunteer group, OCD Awareness SCV has grown significantly. The group became an affiliate of OCD SoCal in 2024, enhancing its mission to advocate for awareness and create supportive opportunities within the local OCD community.
Psychologist Michelle Witkin highlighted the importance of the event, stating, “The walk creates much-needed community and provides hope for OCD sufferers and those who love them.”
How to Participate
As the community comes together to support this cause, the hope is to reduce the stigma surrounding OCD and improve access to treatment for those in need.