Cougars to Take Part in Pac-12 Mental Health Week
Cougar Athletics
PULLMAN, Wash. – Washington State University will partner with Hilinski's Hope, Dam Worth It and The Hidden Opponent as part of the Pac-12 Mental Health Week. The week, hosted in conjunction with College Football Mental Health Week, will focus on a series of mental health initiatives, beginning Oct. 2 and culminating Oct. 9.
Pac-12 Mental Health Week is a conference-wide week of action to end mental health stigma, increase mental health awareness, and supply resources for student athletes. Dam Worth It, The Hidden Opponent and Hilinski's Hope were all founded out of the Pac-12 to focus on ending stigma and increasing mental health resources for student-athletes.
As part of the Pac-12 Mental Health Week, Washington State Athletics will have programming throughout the week for Cougar student-athletes, coaches and staff. The schedule includes:
Monday, October 4 – Start the Conversation: Black Student-Athlete Association
Tuesday, October 5 – Mindfulness Training: Coaches, Staff and Student-Athletes
Wednesday, October 6 – Coaches Corner: Social Media Campaign
Friday, October 8 – Storytelling: Student-athletes sharing experiences - @wazzusaac
Additionally, on Wednesday, Oct. 6, Hilinski's Hope will host a mental health training open to student-athletes nationwide. Registration link: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/7124947916045695501.
Cougar Athletics will have social media promotion throughout the week and the Cougar football team will wear a helmet sticker showcasing a lime green ribbon, the official ribbon showing solidarity for those struggling with mental health and illness, with a "3" on the right corner for the Oct. 9 game vs. Oregon State.
About Hilinski's Hope
Hilinski's Hope Foundation is a non-profit organization formed to promote awareness and education of mental health and wellness for student athletes. The Foundation's mission is to educate, advocate, and eliminate the stigma associated with mental illness, while funding programs that provide student-athletes with the tools and resources that support their mental health and wellness. The Hilinski's Hope Foundation (H3H) was founded in 2018 by Mark and Kym Hilinski to honor the life of their son Tyler, who played quarterback at Washington State University from 2015-18. H3H helps colleges and universities save lives, eliminate stigma, and scale mental wellness programs for student-athletes. H3H does this by sharing Tyler's story, connecting students with mental health resources, and assisting universities to institutionalize best practices.
About Dam Worth It
Dam Worth It was created by Oregon State University student-athletes to utilize the influential platform of sport partnered with the power of storytelling to end the stigma surrounding mental health. Through our holistic, diverse, and inclusive approach, we will normalize, destigmatize, and spread awareness about mental health in our society. The power behind Dam Worth It will come from the way we leverage the platform of sport to unite people of all different backgrounds and walks of life.
About The Hidden Opponent
The Hidden Opponent is an accredited non-profit and advocacy group that raises awareness for student-athlete mental health and addresses the stigma within sports culture. We empower athletes around the world to face The Hidden Opponent together. We believe that all student-athletes should be able to speak openly about their mental health experiences without worrying about being judged or viewed as weak. Our platform helps amplify the voices and needs of student-athletes.
