Atlanta Falcons and University of Georgia Launch Mental Health Initiative in Partnership with Ad Council

Atlanta Falcons and University of Georgia's Mental Health Initiative

In a collaborative effort to promote mental health awareness in Georgia, the Ad Council, in partnership with the Atlanta Falcons and the University of Georgia Football, has launched a dedicated mental health initiative. This program is a significant extension of the Ad Council's national "Love, Your Mind" campaign, introduced in October 2023. Highlighting football stars from both teams, the initiative seeks to destigmatize mental health conversations and inspire proactive approaches to well-being.

At the forefront of this initiative are Atlantas Falcons' running back Bijan Robinson, head coach Raheem Morris, and notable players from the University of Georgia Football, including safety Malaki Starks, linebacker Jalon Walker, and defensive back Dan Jackson. A new public service advertisement (PSA), titled "The Rituals We Share," features these athletes discussing their personal mental health practices, emphasizing the importance of self-care and seeking support.

Arthur M. Blank, chairman of the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, expressed pride in supporting this critical issue, stating, "Mental health is a crucial concern for everyone, and we hope to encourage openness and acceptance within our communities." The campaign also aims to engage the youth, aligning with the foundation's mission to foster mental health awareness, particularly among younger populations.

Supported by a new grant from the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, this initiative will initially focus on Georgia, addressing its ranking as one of the states with the highest prevalence of mental health conditions in the U.S. According to Mental Health America, Georgia ranks third among all U.S. states regarding the prevalence of these conditions.

The campaign extends the "Rituals We Share" series, which was originally developed by creative agency Walton Isaacson and produced by RadicalMedia, an Oscar-winning production company. This campaign, which launched back in May 2024, incorporates personal narratives from coaches and players about how they prioritize their mental health off the field.

The newly created PSA and other digital content will be disseminated through various platforms, including digital and broadcast media, throughout Georgia in the coming year. The Ad Council will leverage its extensive media partnerships, with more than a billion dollars' worth of media donated annually, to maximize outreach and impact.

Since the inception of the "Love, Your Mind" campaign, it has driven over 1.2 million visitors to their website, LoveYourMindToday.org, which provides free mental health resources. The initiative's online video views have exceeded 21 million, airing during major sporting events like the MLB World Series and WNBA playoffs.

As mental health continues to garner nationwide attention, this partnership is poised to make substantial strides towards fostering a stigma-free environment where individuals feel empowered to discuss and prioritize their mental well-being. The Atlanta Falcons and University of Georgia football teams' actions represent a proactive and compassionate response to the mental health challenges faced by many, particularly in their home state of Georgia.

For further details on the"Love, Your Mind" campaign or to access mental health resources, individuals can visit LoveYourMindToday.org or follow the campaign on various social media platforms, including Instagram, Facebook, X, and TikTok.

Through these concerted efforts by prominent sports figures and community leaders, it is hoped that Georgia can cultivate a culture of openness surrounding mental health issues and provide necessary support for those in need.