RSH gears up for splashing, dashing and paint soaked fun

by Josie Fox herald@mediactr.com
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On Friday, Oct. 26 the grounds of the Rusk State Hospital turned into a challenging obstacle course as participants and clients geared up for the annual Splash Dash.

What is the Splash Dash you ask? It is an event that consists of a course through the hospital with designated stations where participants stop to complete objectives such as jumping jacks and switching their shoes to opposite feet. As participants are completing tasks in the designated zones, clients toss non-toxic, washable, paint soaked sponges.

The Splash Dash is the RSH’s version of a color run that involves clients, staff members and outside groups; along with outside observers that come to watch the mayhem and enjoy the excitement of the event.

In 2017, the event topped the charts with 78 percent client participation. This year’s event marked the sixth year it has been held and exceeded the number of last year.

A total of four groups from organizations such as UT Health, Rusk High School and RSH participated in Splash Dash this year. “This is the biggest Splash Dash we have held so far,” said Deidra Clark, Director of Community Relations and Peer Support Services.

Over 100 participants ran the course with the proceeds collected from registration costs for the event benefiting the Volunteer Council for Rusk State Hospital.

The Volunteer Council is a non-profit, charitable and education corporation that provides contributions of in-kind goods, services, monetary support and volunteers for the use and benefit of the Rusk State Hospital and its clients.
The volunteer council works closely with the community relations department for RSH to help enhance the hospital’s care, treatment and recovery programs for clients served at the hospital.