By: Steve Carty
A little story about us
Moto to Heal was born out of personal experiences with mental health challenges, the judgmental stigma and the journey for resolve.
Moto to Heal began with an idea to bring the close knit motorcycling community together. To share the love and cognitive therapy of the open road, our beloved motorcycles with the hopes of opening our minds to mental health challenges.
What are we trying to do?
Break down the barriers and provide a conduit to help raise awareness about the cognitive benefits of riding motorcycles and the positive impact it has on those struggling with mental health challenges.
Why support us?
Mental health is, health. We are in pursuit of Inner Peace and Absolute Freedom™. By supporting Moto to Heal you are taking a pledge to commit to embracing those in need.
Thinking global, acting local
The global research figures on those suffering from mental health challenges is staggering and they are not getting better. New studies are in constant development and the one component all mental health organizations globally can agree on is that there is a crisis.
Some sample info, more than 40% of adults in the USA will experience a mental illness during their lifetime. In Canada, one in two Canadians have—or have had—a mental illness by the time they reach 40 years of age. Globally, almost 500 million people globally struggle with mental illness making it the leading form of disability worldwide.
No single domestic or international organization truly has a grip on the figures as more than two thirds suffer in silence. Stigma, discrimination and neglect prevent care and treatment from reaching people with mental disorders, Where there is neglect, there is little or no understanding. Where there is no understanding, there is neglect. See the most recent global study.
Source: World Health Organization.
Credit Tim Burke Photography
How you can help
Advocate
Become an advocate & listening partner - You have two ears for a reason, take the initiative to listen and learn
Encourage
Encouraging someone to get support and, if permitted, owning the task of helping them connect with an outreach service program in their area
Break barriers
It’s important to know what services and resources are available. Visit our support page to locate resources in your region
Ride
Belong to a chartered BMW MOA club? Invite your guest to a club ride. Don’t belong to a chartered BMW MOA club? Offer to ride together
Support
We want to give back so, a portion of our sales proceeds will go to supporting mental health outreach programs in Canada and USA
Community
You will be part of a community that loves BMW motorcycles, embraces diversity and truly cares for their fellow rider