Berks Woman Organizes Zumba Event to Promote Mental Health Awareness
Minnie Ocasio, a resident of Berks County, Pennsylvania, organized the fifth annual Zumba Combat Kick-A-Thon in Reading to raise awareness about mental health and suicide prevention. The event, held on Sunday, coincided with September being Suicide Prevention Month. Ocasio initiated the kick-a-thon six years after surviving her own suicide attempt. Now working as a therapist and fitness instructor, she combined her expertise to create an event that helps individuals feel less isolated in their struggles. The event also featured various health agencies, providing attendees with easy access to mental health resources. Ocasio emphasized the importance of finding the right therapeutic fit, stating, 'therapy is not one size fits all.' This year marked the final Zumba Combat Kick-A-Thon, as Ocasio plans to transform the initiative into a gala event titled 'unmasking mental health' masquerade ball.
