From coast to coast, one man is walking to bring mental health struggles out of the shadows and into the light.
AUGUSTA, Maine — Joe Hall is walking thousands of miles across the U.S., representing his nonprofit, Hall Across the Country, to raise money and awareness for mental health resources. For the first time, his journey brought him through Maine, where he made a stop at the State House in Augusta on Tuesday.
Hall, who is now on his second walk across the country, has already reached seven state capitols—each one entirely on foot. His route this time is even more ambitious: visiting all 48 contiguous states.
The inspiration for this effort comes from a deeply personal place. In 2020, Hall faced multiple life-altering events: a serious motorcycle accident and the loss of his job. That period, filled with physical and emotional pain, pushed him to the brink.
“I had to make a decision to focus on something that wasn’t the thoughts of hurting myself,” Hall shared.
To redirect his energy, Hall completed his first trek—from Delaware to California—raising money for behavioral health services at a children’s hospital near his hometown.
“There we have it guys, little over six months, 3,176 miles. I’ve done it,” he said in a Facebook video from the finish line.
This second journey carries a broader mission. While he still aims to raise awareness, Hall is also meeting with lawmakers across the country who are working on mental health legislation.
“I want to highlight the people that are doing good with regards to mental health so that others struggling know there are folks in office trying to fight for them,” he said.
Although he wasn’t able to meet with any legislators during his Maine stop, Hall noted that every state he’s visited so far has had leaders working toward mental health reform.
Now five years removed from his lowest point, Hall says he’s experienced a complete turnaround.
“I’m doing 180 degrees from where I was at almost five years ago,” he said.
Even on the most exhausting days, Hall reminds himself why he’s still going: “There might be another warehouse worker that went through or is going through something similar than what I’m going through, and if what I’m doing is going to inspire them or change their life, then I’ve got to keep going.”
You can support Joe Hall’s mission by donating through his website: hallacrossthecountry.com
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, the following resources are available 24/7:
