This May, in honor of his 70th birthday and Mental Health Awareness Month, Warren resident, John Sarno, is embarking on a journey that combines two of his greatest passions: walking and advocating for mental health. Through his special project, Walking for Mental Health: 70 for 70, John will walk 70 miles over three weekends, in selected parks across the state. He invites everyone who cares about mental health to support his cause by donating $1 per mile—$70 in total—to benefit the Mental Health Association in New Jersey, where John serves on the Board of Trustees.

John describes this milestone as a personal and meaningful endeavor. "There are three things I really love, being outside, walking and hiking, and promoting mental health. Those things come together for me, and I think they come together for a lot of people,” he said.

Why mental health?
John’s dedication to mental health is deeply rooted in his own journey, the experiences of his family, and his early career as a community mental health worker. Although he later pursued a career in law, his advocacy for mental health has remained steadfast for over 40 years.

For John, this walk represents more than just a personal challenge -- it’s a statement about prioritizing physical and mental well-being. "This is a moment in time. There are so many frightening and demoralizing things happening in the world. Each of us has to decide how we’ll take action. This walk is my way of standing up for something I believe in."

As a Board member of the MHANJ, John sees this initiative as a practical and impactful way to contribute. He defines this project as “a way to raise both funds and awareness." With May being Mental Health Awareness Month, which uses green as a theme color, his lifelong favorite color, to highlight mental wellness, John feels the timing couldn’t be more perfect.  He exclaimed, "The stars have aligned. I’m 70, I’m in good shape, and I can do this!”

In today’s highly polarized world, John sees mental health as a universal, nonpolitical issue that needs to be addressed thoughtfully. Beyond fundraising, John hopes to foster conversations about mental health. He emphasized, "The stigma around mental health is irrational and harmful. Everyone has their own experiences, and yet, we fear being ostracized or judged. It’s destructive to the human spirit. The more we talk about it, the more we make it a normal part of everyday life. People are ready for that change."

John encourages people to support mental health in ways that feel right for them, such as through conversation, advocacy efforts, or taking their own small but meaningful actions. He shared, "Living a positive life and being a role model for others is the art of living. It’s about doing impactful work at any age, paid or unpaid. We all have a choice: to be demoralized or to do something positive every day."

SUPPORT JOHN AND MENTAL HEALTH!

Let’s stand with John and take steps—literally and figuratively—toward a healthier, more open world for mental health. To sponsor John for the suggested $70, $1 for each mile, or whatever amount you decide, please click on the green Donate button at the top of this page. 

Every contribution makes a difference!

About the Mental Health Association in New Jersey
The Mental Health Association in New Jersey is a statewide non-profit organization whose mission is to strive for children and adults to achieve victory over mental illness and substance use disorders through advocacy, education, training and services. For more information visit mhanj.org or call 973-571-4100, ext. 123.