#USA #mental health #New Orleans #NAMI #Dan Marino

Dan Marino and NAMI Team Up for Mental Health

In a significant collaboration announced recently, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) joins forces with NFL Hall of Famer Dan Marino to raise awareness about mental health, especially targeting student-athletes, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), and faith leaders. This initiative promises a robust campaign that will kick off in New Orleans during the week of the Super Bowl, leveraging various NFL-sanctioned events to reach a broad audience.

Mental health has become a pressing issue, particularly among young adults, as highlighted by a recent NCAA Student-Athlete Well-Being Study which indicated higher rates of mental distress among certain demographic groups, including student-athletes of color. Daniel H. Gillison Jr., the CEO of NAMI, emphasized the importance of equitable access to mental health resources, stating, “NAMI’s mission is to advocate for mental health and ensure that underserved communities can find the support they need.” He also shared a personal perspective, reflecting on his own background where mental health wasn’t openly discussed, advocating for outreach initiatives that resonate with communities in need.

The campaign’s focal points will address:

• - Student-Athletes: Tackling stigma and recognizing the unique pressures athletes face that can lead to mental health struggles.
• - HBCU Campuses: Expanding access to mental health resources and launching initiatives tailored to students at these institutions.
• - Faith Leaders: Empowering these trusted community figures to help connect individuals to necessary mental health care.

Dan Marino, known for his philanthropy and dedication to mental health advocacy through the Dan Marino Foundation, remarked, “Mental health challenges don’t discriminate. Our goal is to amplify the message that support and recovery are within reach.” This collaboration aims to uplift both student-athletes and the communities surrounding them, equipping them with trusted resources and recovery tools.

Key highlights of the campaign include:

• - Super Bowl Breakfast: An event focused on leadership and community wellbeing, designed by Athletes in Action.
• - Taste of the NFL: A culinary gathering that merges food, football, and philanthropy aimed at supporting youth wellness initiatives.
• - Radio Row: Engagements with prominent media outlets to disseminate the campaign’s goals and discuss the essential need for expanded mental health resources.

NAMI has asserted its commitment to supporting mental health, especially in light of the recent tragic events in New Orleans, reiterating its dedication to healing and community support. The partnership with Dan Marino is seen as a vital step towards enhancing public awareness and access to comprehensive mental health resources.

About NAMI

The National Alliance on Mental Illness stands as the largest grassroots organization in the United States dedicated to improving the lives of individuals and families affected by mental illness. Learn more at NAMI's website.

About The Dan Marino Foundation

Established by Dan Marino in 1992, this foundation focuses on enhancing the lives of individuals with autism and developmental challenges. For more information, visit Dan Marino Foundation.

Looking Ahead

With the Professional Pipeline Development Group (PPDG) overseeing strategy and implementation of this collaboration, the partnership between NAMI and Marino is poised to offer valuable tools and programs aimed at building resilience and promoting overall wellbeing across various communities nationwide.