On June 15, 2024, the Southwest Organizing Project's (SWOP) Healthy Southwest team successfully hosted their second Walk with a Doc (WWAD) event of the year. This community initiative, aimed at promoting health and wellness, was co-hosted by The Resurrection Project (TRP). The event took place at Mckinley Park, beginning in the fieldhouse before participants headed out onto the track, providing a serene backdrop for both the walk and the insightful discussions that followed.

Leading the event were Ida Salusky, MPH, PhD, and Jessica Motta, MA in Clinical Psychology, QHMP. Their expertise brought a depth of knowledge to the day's topic, "Understanding Migration Trauma." Dr. Salusky, with her extensive background in public health, provided a comprehensive overview of the psychological and physiological impacts of migration. She highlighted how migration can be a profoundly stressful experience, affecting individuals and families in multifaceted ways.

Jessica Motta, a qualified mental health professional, complemented this perspective by delving into clinical insights on migration trauma. She discussed common psychological responses to the stresses of migration, such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Motta also emphasized the importance of community support and mental health resources in helping individuals and families navigate these challenges.

The walk itself served as a dynamic and engaging platform for participants to connect with the speakers and each other. Attendees had the opportunity to ask questions, share personal experiences, and gain valuable coping strategies to deal with migration-related stress. The collaboration between SWOP and TRP underscored the importance of community-based approaches in addressing complex social and health issues, making the event a resounding success.

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