Football Teaming Up With Hilinski’s Hope for 2nd Annual College Football Mental Health Week
Go Tufts Jumbo
MEDFORD – Hilinski's Hope Foundation (H3H), founded by Mark and Kym Hilinski to honor the legacy of their son Tyler, recently announced that the Tufts University Jumbos will be participating in the second annual College Football Mental Health Week. In tomorrow's game against Bates College, the Jumbos will focus on mental health initiatives which will honor Tyler, those lost, and those suffering.
Tufts joins more than 50 colleges and universities nationwide participating in Mental Health Week. Jumbo freshman wide receiver John Hilinski is a nephew of Mark and Kym.
"We wanted to be involved in this week to help or athletes break the stigma about talking about mental health in a competitive environment," Tufts head coach Jay Civetti said. "An individual player's best, whether that's physically or mentally, is our best as a team so is important to talk about these things."
"We are so honored that more than 50 schools nationwide will be participating in this year's mental health awareness week," said Mark Hilinski. "This year, more than ever, student-athlete mental health has been in the spotlight and while conversation around mental illness can be tough and even at times uncomfortable, it is absolutely critical for the overall health and well-being of our student-athletes. Throughout the last year, we've continued to see support from schools, fans, students and parents as they join us in the fight against mental illness and that is a major piece of the puzzle that will help destigmatize mental illness and increase mental health resources. We miss Tyler every single day, but we are grateful to know that what we are doing is making a difference and that he would be proud of us."
The Jumbos will showcase a lime green ribbon on all players' helmets with a "3" in the middle to honor Tyler Hilinski and remember those lost and those suffering in silence. The team will also encourage students, parents, alumni, and fans to participate in showing solidarity, eliminating stigma around mental health by holding three fingers in the sky during the first play of the third quarter.
To learn more and/or get involved with Hilinski's Hope Foundation please visit https://www.hilinskishope.org/cfb-mental-health-week.
