Brock University, known for prioritizing the mental health of its students, has embraced an external brand dedicated to supporting Canadian student-athletes. The Student-Athlete Mental Health Initiative (SAMHI), which ceased operations in August 2023, has transferred ownership of its brand and social media networks to its longtime collaborator, the Centre for Healthy Youth Development through Sport (CHYDS) at Brock University.
Expanding CHYDS’s Outreach and Research
CHYDS is a leader in Canadian youth sport research and evidence-based practices for youth health and development through sport. By integrating the SAMHI brand and networks into CHYDS’s portfolio, the Centre aims to enhance its outreach, research, and collaboration opportunities. Corliss Bean, CHYDS Director and Brock Professor of Recreation and Leisure Studies, highlights the significance of this acquisition:
“SAMHI has worked to establish a strong, trusting connection with the post-secondary student-athlete community over the past 15 years. We are excited to continue this legacy and grow SAMHI as a hub for research and knowledge exchange across Canada to reach student-athletes, leaders, and other key knowledge users in Canadian intercollegiate sport.”
National Focus and Knowledge Mobilization
In transitioning to Brock, SAMHI’s activities will extend beyond research or activities at the University. Under the leadership 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 across Canada, focusing on supporting the mental health of Canadian university student-athletes.
Addressing Mental Health Challenges
Philip Sullivan emphasizes the importance of addressing the mental health challenges faced by university student-athletes in Canada, noting that they have distinct mental health issues and barriers compared to their non-athlete peers and student-athletes in the United States:
“SAMHI has served an overlooked yet important population for several years. University student-athletes in Canada have a relatively high prevalence of a wide variety of mental health issues. My research suggests that 20 per cent of student-athletes in Canada have rates of depression and anxiety indicative of a moderate to severe mental health disorder. It’s important more information about student-athlete mental health is shared with coaches, athletes, and others who support student-athletes.”
Reducing Stigma and Increasing Awareness
Sullivan stresses the need to reduce the stigma of mental health issues and increase awareness of their prevalence among student-athletes. He believes SAMHI’s brand and platforms will be instrumental in these efforts.
Continuation of SAMHI’s Mission
Samantha DeLenardo, former President of SAMHI, expresses her gratitude to the CHYDS team for their leadership in adopting SAMHI’s brand and continuing its mission:
“Dr. Sullivan and his team have the resources and expertise to continue SAMHI’s mission to protect and promote student-athlete mental health. CHYDS’s role in putting the best evidence into practice is critical to achieving that goal. I am thrilled for this next chapter for SAMHI.”
Conclusion
The integration of SAMHI into CHYDS at Brock University represents a significant step in advancing the mental health support for Canadian student-athletes. By leveraging the strengths of both organizations, this initiative aims to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for student-athletes across Canada.
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