NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Hilinski’s Hope Foundation (H3H) today announced its plans for the annual “Student Athlete Mental Health Week”, a rebranded continuation of successful previous efforts to unite coaches and players nationwide to eliminate stigma and increase mental health resources at their universities and colleges. The rebranding serves as a message that the mission of Hilinski’s Hope to prioritize the mental health of players stretches beyond the white lines of a college football field and extends to students athletes of all sports at every level.
The Hilinski’s Hope Foundation (H3H) was created in 2018 by Mark and Kym Hilinski to honor the legacy of their son, Tyler, a former quarterback for Washington State University who died by suicide. Through their efforts, “College Football Mental Health Week” was born. 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.
Now in their fourth year, Hilinski’s Hope Foundation is curating a collective week of action focused on eliminating stigma and increasing mental health resources for universities and colleges nationwide. Student Athlete Mental Health Week coincides with Mental Illness Awareness Week, October 1-7, culminating on World Mental Health Day on October 10.
“We are incredibly honored that we've been able to share Tyler's story the last four years and connect with students all over the country for College Football Mental Health Week. This year, we’re excited to expand our mission through the rebranded Student Athlete Mental Health Week,” said Mark Hilinski. “Throughout our journey, we’ve spoken to coaches and teams of all sports and we believe this is a great representation of our dedication to all student athletes.”
In 2022, Mark and Kym Hilinski met with legislators from the House of Representatives to advocate for increased awareness and resources for mental health for student athletes ultimately resulting in House Resolution 1423, designating the first week of October as “National Student Athlete Mental Health Awareness Week”. Endorsed by the NCAA, the resolution encourages colleges and universities to address stigma, strengthen mental health resources, and further research into the mental wellbeing of student athletes.
“As Hilinski’s Hope adopts Student-Athlete Mental Health Week, our faculty and student body at the University of Oklahoma couldn’t be prouder to stand in unity with Mark and Kym,” said Joe Castiglione, Vice President & Director of Athletics at OU. “Inclusivity is a key factor in mental health and we thank the Hilinski family for all the work they have done and will continue to do for colleges and universities across the country.”
Hilinski’s Hope is now inviting universities and colleges nationwide to register for Student Athlete Mental Health Week. The week will focus on a series of mental health initiatives including: honoring Tyler Hilinski and remember those lost and those suffering in silence, eliminating stigma around mental health by community displays of support, participating in Hilinski’s Hope's: Online Mental Health Course to help reduce the stigma of seeking help for mental health concerns, participating in social media campaigns, and assessing how participating colleges and universities are following best practices in terms of mental health programs, and hosting talks and trainings on campus for players, coaches, and staff.
To learn more and/or get involved with Hilinski’s Hope Foundation, please visit https://www.hilinskishope.org/samhw.
About Hilinski’s Hope:
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. To learn more about H3H please visit www.hilinskishope.org.
