Memorial Health Launches 'Mindful Miles' Walking Challenge

The regional program aims to promote physical activity and mental wellbeing during Mental Health Awareness Month.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 3:24pm

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A vibrant neon outline of a person walking, the lines glowing with energy against a dark background, conceptually representing the physical and mental benefits of the 'Mindful Miles' walking program.The 'Mindful Miles' walking challenge encourages Springfield residents to get active and improve their mental health this spring.Springfield Today

Springfield Memorial Hospital is encouraging residents to get active this spring by signing up for its 'Mindful Miles' walking challenge. The program is the first regional walking challenge organized by Memorial Health, designed to get people outside as the weather improves and promote both physical activity and mental wellbeing.

Why it matters

The 'Mindful Miles' challenge is tied to Mental Health Awareness Month, with the goal of encouraging participants to spend time outdoors, which can benefit mental health by providing vitamin D and reducing cortisol levels, the body's primary stress hormone.

The details

Participants can sign up through Memorial Health's social media pages or by downloading the Pacer App and entering the code 'M-H-Walks.' Users can choose a team based on where they live or work, and the app will track their steps automatically, though manual entry is also available. The challenge runs from May 1 to May 30, with the goal of walking 50 miles or more during that time to earn a free t-shirt.

  • The 'Mindful Miles' challenge launches on May 1, 2026.
  • The challenge runs through May 30, 2026.

The players

Memorial Health

A regional healthcare system that is organizing the 'Mindful Miles' walking challenge.

Galia Cossyleon

A community health consultant with Memorial Health who is overseeing the 'Mindful Miles' challenge.

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What they’re saying

“As soon as the weather gets nice we all want to get out of our caves and enjoy the good weather... What better than to get active and start walking?”

— Galia Cossyleon, Community Health Consultant, Memorial Health

“We were like, 'hey how about two for one. So we'll promote walking and staying active while at the same time promoting wellbeing and mental health, and so on which, is such a hot topic right now.'”

— Galia Cossyleon, Community Health Consultant, Memorial Health

What’s next

Residents are encouraged to sign up for the 'Mindful Miles' challenge through Memorial Health's social media pages or by downloading the Pacer App and entering the code 'M-H-Walks.' The challenge runs from May 1 to May 30, 2026.

The takeaway

The 'Mindful Miles' walking challenge provides an opportunity for Springfield residents to improve their physical and mental health by getting outside and being active during the spring months. The program's focus on both physical activity and mental wellbeing aligns with the growing emphasis on holistic approaches to healthcare.