BATON ROUGE, Louisiana (BRPROUD) — The Uphill Climb 5K and Walk provided an opportunity for the people of Baton Rouge to come together and spread awareness about mental health.

September is known as Suicide Prevention Month.

The Department of Homeland Security says suicide is a matter of life for many Americans.

Behind the Line and Baton Rouge General Hospital partnered with multiple agencies to host the second annual Uphill 5K and Walk. The walk began four years before him, but due to COVID-19 protocols, the gathering was closed.

Rendy Richard, president of Behind the Line, says their organization helps police officers’ mental health.

“We stand by it,” he said.

One runner, Vicky Thompson, knows how hard it is to be a police officer.

What police officers see on a daily basis is something most people can’t even imagine,” Thompson said.

Thompson runs for her husband Brian Thompson.

“My husband worked for the BRPD. He was an officer, but in 2018 he lost his life,” Thompson said.

The organizers had to change the route plan due to weather, but some think the plan could have been better.

More than 200 runners participated in the 5km, including more than 90 Louisiana State Police officers alone.

Former BRPD board member Kyle Callihan was one of the organizers who helped plan the course. 5k means a lot to him.

“You hear that term a lot. I really want to embrace the idea and really make them. The route ‘uphill’ is literally the last half mile up the parking lot said Callihan.

At the end of the course each runner received a medal for completing the course.