Ohio Man Walks Across U.S. to Raise Mental Health Awareness

In a bid to raise awareness for mental health and suicide prevention, Joe Hall, a resident of Ohio, is undertaking an ambitious journey by walking across the United States. On Sunday evening, he made a stop in Coxsackie, New York, after completing a 23-mile trek that day.

Hall’s journey began near Dayton, Ohio, in May 2024. His mission is to walk through 48 states, advocating for mental health awareness along the way. He is motivated by his own experiences with depression and his survival of two suicide attempts. “We are advocating for mental health and suicide prevention everywhere we go,” Hall stated. He emphasized the importance of community support in tackling mental health issues.

To support his cause, Hall founded a nonprofit organization named Hall Across the Country after a previous walk from Delaware to San Francisco. Initially, he vowed not to embark on such a physically demanding journey again due to the pain he experienced. However, he felt compelled to share his story and reach more people this time around.

During his travels, Hall makes it a point to connect with legislators in each state capital he visits, aiming to spark conversations about mental health policies. He envisions establishing mobile mental health help centers as part of his long-term goals.

“Everybody is struggling with their mental health right now, and if people can hear from someone who has walked across the country and shares their story, it can inspire them to seek help or talk to someone they trust,” Hall explained. His message resonates deeply, particularly as mental health issues continue to rise in many communities.

Upon reaching Coxsackie, Hall connected with Hose Three Company, a local fire station, where he was warmly welcomed. Tracy O’Bryan, a member of the volunteer fire department, noted the importance of supporting Hall’s cause: “Mental health is such an important issue, and we should support efforts that bring attention to it.”

The fire department provided Hall with a homemade spaghetti dinner and a comfortable place to rest. Hall maintains a consistent motto throughout his journey: “Tomorrow needs you.” He encourages those struggling to persevere through tough days, believing that with time, hope can return.

Hall plans to continue his journey through Albany in the coming days. He estimates that by the end of this walk, he will have covered approximately 14,500 miles. Those interested in following Hall’s progress can do so through his Facebook page and the nonprofit’s website, where updates on his mission and resources for mental health support are available.