Breaking Down Barriers to OCD Care, One Step at a Time: Columbus One Million Steps for OCD Walk Celebrates 10th Anniversary
COLUMBUS, OHIO — The One Million Steps for OCD Walk, sponsored by NOCD, is coming to Columbus, Ohio, on October 10, 2026. Hosted by OCD Midwest, this community event brings together individuals, families, clinicians, advocates, and supporters to raise awareness, foster connection, and help close the gap between those living with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and the effective treatment they deserve.
This year marks a special milestone for the Columbus OCD community as the Walk celebrates its 10th anniversary.
OCD is a serious and often debilitating mental health condition that affects up to 10 million Americans and nearly 240 million people worldwide. Yet new research from the International OCD Foundation (IOCDF) found that only a fraction of people with OCD receive an accurate diagnosis, and 95% are not receiving the most effective treatment available. Millions continue to struggle unnecessarily because of gaps in awareness, diagnosis, and access to care.
The One Million Steps for OCD Walk helps change that reality. Through education, community engagement, and fundraising, the Walk supports efforts to raise accurate awareness of OCD and related disorders, expand access to evidence-based treatment, and ensure that no one affected by OCD suffers alone.
“The OCD Walk is a powerful reminder that hope, help, and recovery are possible,” said IOCDF Executive Director Rebecca Deusser. “Every step taken helps raise awareness of what OCD really is, challenge misconceptions, and bring us closer to a future where everyone affected by OCD can access effective care.”
“For the past 10 years, the Columbus OCD Walk has helped create a place where people affected by OCD can come together and know they are understood,” said Jon Bommarito, OCD advocate and co-chair of the Columbus OCD Walk. “Finding the right help can change someone’s life, but so can finding a community that reminds you that you don’t have to face OCD alone. We want every person and family affected by OCD to know that help, hope, treatment, and support are out there.”
This year's Columbus Walk will feature inspirational speakers, a three-mile walk along ADA-compliant park trails, recreational activities, a social gathering, a food truck, and raffle baskets, creating opportunities for participants of all ages and abilities to connect, learn, and show support for the OCD community. Participants may turn back toward the gathering area at any point along the Walk route to accommodate their individual needs. The walk will be at Sharon Woods Metro Park in Westerville. Check-in and registration begin at 9:30 a.m., followed by opening ceremonies at 10:15 a.m. and the OCD Walk at 11:00 a.m.
Registration is now open at the Columbus, OH One Million Steps for OCD Walk registration page:
https://support.iocdf.org/event/columbus-oh-ocd-walk/e796993?c_src=flyer-vanity
The Columbus Walk is one of dozens of One Million Steps for OCD Walks held each year around the world. Proceeds benefit both OCD Midwest and the International OCD Foundation, the leading authority on OCD and related disorders. Through education, professional training, advocacy, and research, the IOCDF works to improve outcomes for everyone affected by OCD and related conditions. As an official IOCDF Affiliate, OCD Midwest advances this mission throughout Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, and Illinois.
This event is made possible through the generous support of our national sponsors: NOCD, Rogers Behavioral Health, OCD Institute at McLean Hospital, Insight Recovery Treatment Center, The Concord Center, InStride Health, CBTeam OCD & Anxiety Specialists, The Center for OCD and Related Disorders (CORD) at Massachusetts General Hospital, Cambridge Psychology Group, Braver, and New England Center for OCD & Anxiety.
For more information about the Columbus, Ohio One Million Steps for OCD Walk, visit the Columbus Walk website or contact the Columbus OCD Walk Planning Committee at centralohioocd@gmail.com.