Dr. O Memorial 5K Walk/Run

Join us on Saturday, November 7, 2026, for the 3rd annual Memorial 3.1-mile (5K) run and 1-mile walk in honor of the legacy of Dr. John (Jack) O'Handley. Affectionately known as "Dr. O", Jack was the Medical Director of the Mount Carmel Street Medicine program for 25+ years, where he was a beloved physician, teacher, mentor, and friend to all. Dr. O was known by his patients to be a compassionate, loving, and gentle doctor, who loved a good corny joke. Dr. O practiced what he preached in living a very healthy lifestyle. He ran a 5K nearly every weekend with fellow colleagues, students, and friends, inspiring many to lead a more active life.

The Street Medicine program provides no-cost medical care to individuals who are uninsured or underinsured. The mobile medical coach is accessible at nine locations across central Ohio and provides urgent care services for acute illness, infections, wounds, and unmanaged chronic disorders. Patients can also receive assistance with (DELETE: medication-assisted therapy (MAT), substance use disorder (SUD), as well as) social needs such as food resources, specialty appointments, and connection to primary care. Three days a week, medical teams take to the streets, literally, bringing medical care to individuals living outside. The Street Medicine program has been in operation for forty years, reducing access barriers for those who are underserved. The Street Medicine program logs over 4,000 patient encounters annually.  Proceeds from the race will support medical care provided in the community on behalf of the Street Medicine program.

On the day of the race, the Street Medicine team will be collecting needed items that can be given a new life with patients. Good condition hoodies, athletic pants, and tennis shoes are needed for both men and women. Those bringing items to donate will be entered into a raffle drawing.

Join fellow runners on November 7, 2026 for the Dr. O Memorial 5K Walk/Run. It's a fantastic 5K, 1.6K featuring a flat and fast course in Lewis Center.