Families in the Cartersville area are invited to gather at Dellinger Park on September 26 for The Climb, a free community event dedicated to raising awareness and providing resources for perinatal mental health. From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., attendees can participate in a Hope Walk around the duck pond and enjoy various family friendly activities, including touch a truck, sensory play, storytime, and gentle movement. While designed as a fun day for all ages, the core mission of the gathering is to foster connection and offer critical support for those navigating the emotional complexities of pregnancy, postpartum, and early parenthood.
The event is part of a larger initiative by Postpartum Support International, an organization that works to bridge the gap in care during what many call the fourth trimester. Organizers emphasize that while society often focuses heavily on the arrival of a new baby, the mental health of parents is frequently overlooked. By hosting The Climb at Pavilions 3 and 4, leaders like Dr. Caitlin Quraishi and Olivia Cook aim to create a safe space where families realize they are not alone in their struggles with mood and anxiety disorders.
For Dr. Quraishi, owner of Cultivate Health, bringing this event to Bartow County was born from seeing her patients struggle to find accessible mental health services despite high demand. Similarly, Olivia Cook shares that her passion for the cause stems from her own challenging postpartum experience following the birth of her son. Together, they hope to transform personal hardships into public advocacy, ensuring that local parents know exactly where to turn for professional help and peer support within their own community.
Beyond providing immediate resources through local provider tables, The Climb serves as a vital fundraiser for Postpartum Support International’s Georgia chapter. Donations gathered during the event and through other annual initiatives go directly toward funding counseling services for families up to two years postpartum. By securing corporate sponsorships to keep the park event free of charge, organizers are removing financial barriers so every family can access the education and stability necessary to build a healthy foundation for future generations.
