CMHA Ontario’s Mood Walks program was recently featured in a CBC Radio broadcast. CMHA Elgin staff and program participants spoke to CBC Ontario Morning about the effectiveness of the program in their community. Participants told CBC correspondent Kerry McKee that the nature walks coordinated by the program bring a sense of calm and focus to their day.

Research indicates that a daily walk in nature can be as effective in treating mild cases of depression as taking an antidepressant. Mood Walks is an initiative of CMHA Ontario, in partnership with Hike Ontario and Conservation Ontario, to provide training and support for community mental health organizations across the province to launch educational walking programs for older adults who experience mental health issues.

Listen to the complete August 13 podcast of the CBC Radio segment on the CBC Ontario Morning website. The Mood Walks segment starts at 24:10 and runs about six minutes.