On Saturday, Oct. 12, students from UHD's Marketing 3320 class partnered with Crisis Intervention of Houston for the third annual Walk for Mental Health Awareness in efforts to gain awareness for mental health in Houston.

Marketing 3320, Social Media Marketing, is offered as an elective at UHD. This course offers involvement with social websites, blogs and newsletters for better understanding and training on social media in marketing. The professional access to marketers and social media experts here in Houston also contributes to a positive learning experience.

Before the walk, the class promoted the event and Crisis Intervention of Houston on social media outlets, Facebook and Twitter. The Walk for Mental Health Awareness started with 955 Facebook fans and grew to 1,065 fans. On Twitter, the Walk started with 105 followers and grew to 156 followers. This is an 11 percent increase on Facebook and 49 percent increase on Twitter for the Walk in a month. Crisis Intervention of Houston started with 541 Facebook fans and now has 644 fans. On Twitter, they began with 441 followers and now have 451. This is a 19 percent increase on Facebook and 2 percent increase on Twitter in four short weeks.

This class has teamed up with Crisis Intervention of Houston to make a difference and raise awareness for Mental Health and those in crisis. Together the team raised $305 toward the cause and had over 20 volunteers. The class also had the most thrilling experience with getting to meet Houston Mayor Annise Parker. The class continues to promote awareness for Crisis Intervention Houston. Be sure to "Like" and "Follow" their Facebook and Twitter page (@Crisis_hotline).

To find out how to be a part of this effort now, or next year, visit thehoustonwalk.org.

Marketing class volunteers with Crisis Intervention of Houston.

UHD students Cory Windham and Irving Aviles with Mayor Annise Parker.