Philadelphia, Pa. - (1/29/2019) – Taking part in the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference (CACC) initiative, Chestnut Hill College will be hosting a Mental Health Awareness Day during Wednesday (January 30) night's league basketball games versus Goldey-Beacom College (Women; 6:00 p.m./Men; 8:00 p.m.). Between January 30 and February 9, all 14 members of the CACC will do their part to break the stigma surrounding mental health. Each school will provide information and programming to address a variety of topics associated with mental health, such as suicide prevention, stress and anxiety, depression, and various supportive resources like campus counseling centers and clubs.

 

Breaking the stigma surrounding mental health has become a point of emphasis for the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) as conferences and schools have been encouraged to answer the call, speak up, and help spread awareness about this social issue. Student-Athletes across all three NCAA divisions have identified mental health as their primary health and safety priority; 30 percent of student-athletes self-report that they are consistently overwhelmed with the stress and anxiety associated with juggling academics, athletics, and their own personal affairs. Additional information, provided by the NCAA, about mental health can be found using the following link. The NCAA and CACC hope to foster an environment where student-athletes feel supported and empowered by encouraging student-athletes to look out for each other and providing them with the knowledge to do so; Communicate, Be Aware, Show Compassion, Be a Champion for Each Other.
 
The Chestnut Hill College Mental Health Awareness Day will include a Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) Pledge table, as well as, an informational hub for the Chestnut Hill College Counseling Center. The Chestnut Hill College men's and women's basketball teams will wear green shoelaces; the color that has been associated with mental health through the Green Ribbon Campaign. A CACC Public Service Announcement (PSA) will play prior to the start of the women's game and during halftime of the men's game.

 

In addition to the Mental Health Awareness Day, Chestnut Hill College will also be recognizing the members of the spring 2018 and fall 2018, Athletics Academic Honor Rolls. A combined total of 225 student-athletes earned Athletic Academic Honor Roll recognition between the spring 2018 (121) and fall 2018 (104) academic semesters, including 39 student-athletes who earned 4.0 grade point averages (GPA). This year's honorees will be recognized during halftime of the women's game. In order to become a member of the Chestnut Hill College Athletics Academic Honor Roll, a student-athlete must be present on a team's squad list while earning a semester GPA of 3.5 or better.