During Mental Health Awareness Month, the two
organizations seek to bring conversations about mental health to
the forefront for athletes at every level
NEW
YORK, April 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Hilinski's
Hope Foundation (H3H), founded by Mark and
Kym Hilinski to honor the legacy of their son Tyler, today
announced a partnership with Athletes for Hope (AFH), the
non-profit aimed at educating, encouraging, and assisting athletes
in their community and charitable causes, that will establish the
first Athlete Mental Health Week from May
4-11, 2024. Through a week of collective action, with
support from the 135 athletes, organizations, and mental health
advocates in the Athlete Mental Health Alliance, H3H and AFH will
amplify the voices and advocate for the wellbeing of athletes of
every sport and level of competition.
"I support Athlete Mental Health Week because even our
superheroes need a space to feel safe," said Natasha Hastings, two-time Olympic Gold
Medalist, AFH Whole Being Athlete Ambassador, and Licensed
Counselor Associate. "It's not just about performance; it's about
their well-being."
"Hilinski's Hope is honored to partner with Athletes for Hope
for Athlete Mental Health Week," said Kym
Hilinski, co-founder of H3H. "With Hilinski's Hope's own
Student Athlete Mental Health Week entering its fifth year this
fall, we've been seeking the right group to partner with during the
spring to reach more athletes beyond school campuses and we've
found a fantastic partner in Athletes for Hope. We know that mental
health resources are a priority to all athletes and we look forward
to working together to respond to the needs and challenges of the
athletic community at large."
Athlete Mental Health Week will run May
4-11 with athlete-focused organizations participating in
breaking down stigma, offering quality resources, and hosting
conversations and events to foster a strong community among
athletes at all levels and their greater support systems.
"We are so proud to launch Athlete Mental Health Week alongside
our partners and friends, Hilinski's Hope, who have set such an
incredible standard with their Student Athlete Mental Health Week
each fall," said Athletes for Hope Chief Wellbeing Officer,
Suzanne Potts. "This week, we aim to
elevate and destigmatize mental health discussions, ensuring every
athlete—from student-athletes, professional, Olympic and Paralympic
alike—has access to quality resources and are empowered to use
their platform for change."
H3H and AFH is providing a virtual toolkit with graphics,
statistics, and ideas for activations to all the Athlete Mental
Health Week participants. The efforts established during Athlete
Mental Health Week will culminate in H3H joining AFH in
Washington D.C. on May 21st for Athlete Mental Health Advocacy
Day.
To learn more and/or get involved with Athlete Mental Health
Week, please visit
https://www.athletesforhope.org/afh-h3h-athlete-mental-health-week/.
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
About Athletes for Hope:
Founded by Muhammad Ali, Andre
Agassi, Mia Hamm and nine
other elite athletes in 2006, Athletes for Hope (AFH) is a national
nonprofit organization that educates, encourages, and empowers
athletes to find their passions and use their time to positively
engage with their communities. In 2024, AFH launched the Athlete
Leadership Council featuring Stephen
Curry, Katie Ledecky and
Nathan Chen in order to carry on AFH
Founders' legacies to the next generation. For more than 17 years,
AFH has educated more than 12,000 professional, Olympic, Paralympic
and collegiate athletes through its Causeway workshop series, and
helped athletes volunteer with hundreds of underserved schools and
impactful community organizations through core programs that focus
on helping underserved children develop strong mental health and
leadership skills while staying active, changing the public stigma
around mental health and brightening the lives of children in
hospitals. Through their dedication and passion for doing good, AFH
athletes have positively impacted the lives of millions around the
world.
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content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/hilinskis-hope-and-athletes-for-hope-partner-for-first-athlete-mental-health-week-may-4-11-2024-302121314.html
SOURCE Hilinski's Hope Foundation