Fordham SAAC Hosts Hilinski’s Hope Mental Health Week
Fordham Sports
BRONX, N.Y. – On the heels of National Suicide Prevention Month, The Fordham University Student Athlete Advisory Committee is hosting Student-Athlete Mental Health Week beginning today, October 2.
Throughout the week, SAAC will be sponsoring a number of activities designed to call attention to mental health strains placed upon student-athletes while also providing resources to help those affected cope.
"Participating in Student-Athlete Mental Health Week means a lot to SAAC as we recognize that we are 'More Than An Athlete;' we are humans with emotions, feelings, and struggles that we shouldn't have to fight alone," said Julia Petrovich, SAAC President and senior on the Fordham softball team. "It is important for our Fordham athletes to know that we are valued beyond our skills and strengths on the field and in the weight room. Just as we prioritize taking care of our bodies, we also need to take care our minds. Hilinski's Hope Student-Athlete Mental Health Week allows the larger student-athlete community to connect and create a stronger support system for each other. To all student-athletes, tomorrow needs you, so don't be afraid to reach out: you are not alone!"
From Monday to Friday during select times throughout the day, members of SAAC will be stationed outside of the McShane Campus Center with giveaways designed to call attention to the initiative. On Monday, coffee and donuts will be available along with wristbands and hair ties. On Tuesday, blank journals will be distributed in an effort to help student-athletes "journal their journey." On Wednesday, student-athletes will be encouraged to attend the men's soccer game at 7 p.m. and wear green in support of mental health awareness. Food trucks are also scheduled to be present. On Thursday outside of the McShane Center, SAAC will host a "de-stress drawing" session from 12-2 p.m. where stress balls will also be distributed. On Friday outside the campus center, student-athletes will be encouraged to focus on gratitude, writing what they're grateful for on ribbons and patches.
Student-Athlete Mental Health Week will wrap on Saturday afternoon when all Rams are encouraged to attend the Homecoming game against Lehigh on the gridiron.
Student-Athlete Mental Health Week is being hosted in conjunction with Hilinski's Hope Foundation, an organization founded in 2018 in honor of former Washington State quarterback Tyler Hilinski, who took his own life following a battle with depression. The Foundation's mission is to educate, advocate, and remove the stigma associated with mental illness, while funding programs that provide student-athletes the tools and resources to support their mental health and wellness.
