Brock University, renowned for its commitment to student mental health, has integrated a dedicated brand aimed at supporting Canadian student-athletes.
The Student-Athlete Mental Health Initiative (SAMHI), which ended operations in August 2023, has transferred its brand and social media networks to the Centre for Healthy Youth Development through Sport (CHYDS) at Brock University. This collaboration marks a significant step in expanding support and resources for student-athletes across Canada.
CHYDS, a leader in Canadian youth sport research and evidence-based practices, now includes the SAMHI brand in its portfolio, enhancing its outreach, research capabilities, and collaborative opportunities. Corliss Bean, CHYDS Director and Brock Professor of Recreation and Leisure Studies, emphasizes the importance of this acquisition.
“SAMHI has built a strong, trusting relationship with the post-secondary student-athlete community over the past 15 years,” says Bean. “We are excited to continue this legacy and expand SAMHI as a hub for research and knowledge exchange across Canada, reaching student-athletes, leaders, and other key stakeholders in Canadian intercollegiate sport.”
Under the guidance of CHYDS member and Brock Professor of Kinesiology, Philip Sullivan, SAMHI’s knowledge mobilization platforms will disseminate research and best practices from institutions and professionals nationwide, focusing on the mental health of Canadian university student-athletes.
“SAMHI has addressed the unique mental health challenges of student-athletes for several years,” says Sullivan. “Canadian university student-athletes face a higher prevalence of various mental health issues. Their challenges differ significantly from those of non-athlete students and student-athletes in the United States.”
Sullivan’s research indicates that 20 percent of Canadian student-athletes experience moderate to severe mental health disorders, such as depression and anxiety. Additionally, university coaches and support staff possess mental health literacy comparable to the general population.
“It’s crucial to share more information about student-athlete mental health with coaches, athletes, and supporters,” Sullivan asserts. “We must continue efforts to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health issues and raise awareness of their prevalence among student-athletes. SAMHI’s brand and platforms will play a vital role in this.”
Former SAMHI President, Samantha DeLenardo, expresses gratitude to the CHYDS team for their leadership in preserving SAMHI’s mission.
“Dr. Sullivan and his team have the resources and expertise to continue SAMHI’s mission of protecting and promoting student-athlete mental health,” says DeLenardo. “CHYDS’s role in applying the best evidence into practice is crucial to achieving that goal. I am thrilled for this next chapter for SAMHI.”
CHYDS now owns the name and logo of the Student-Athlete Mental Health Initiative, along with its Facebook and Instagram accounts. SAMHI’s charitable status has been voluntarily revoked, and its website, samhi.ca, is no longer active.
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