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NAMI Partners with NFL Wives Association and Dan Marino

In a groundbreaking initiative for mental health awareness, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is collaborating with the Off The Field NFL Wives Association and NFL Hall of Famer Dan Marino. The partnership aims to shed light on mental health challenges faced by athletes and their families during the exciting lead-up to the Super Bowl in San Francisco.

Launching Mental Health Initiatives in San Francisco

Beginning this week, a series of high-profile events will unfold, including media appearances, a comprehensive mental health panel, and a charity fashion show organized by Off The Field. These events not only aim to highlight the importance of mental health but also to offer resources and support to those in need.

Daniel H. Gillison Jr., NAMI's CEO, shared insights from his own journey as a former student-athlete. He noted, "I know firsthand how much the people around you matter, both on and off the field. Athletes carry a lot of pressure, and their families feel it, too. Nobody should face mental health struggles alone, and at NAMI, we are dedicated to helping them find support."

The collaboration with Off The Field is rooted in a shared mission to advocate for mental wellness in all communities. As part of this initiative, the Legacy in Lights Awards Brunch will feature the inaugural Resilience Impact Award, recognizing women who have lost partners to mental health conditions.

Empowering NFL Families

Tenisha Patterson Brown, Esq., president of Off The Field, emphasized the unrecognized resilience of NFL families. She expressed excitement about the partnership with NAMI, stating that it aims to empower and uplift these families through community and mental health support.

Adding to the mission, NAMI will highlight their ongoing partnership with Dan Marino, who continues his philanthropic efforts through his organization, Stay Healthy Zone. This platform promotes health and wellness via digital wellness tools, including personalized meal plans and fitness resources aimed at helping individuals manage stress and enhance their overall well-being.

Focus on HBCUs and Communities

As part of their commitment to mental health equity, NAMI is expanding its outreach to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and working closely with organizations like the Divine 9. This collaboration aims to increase access to mental health resources in Black and African Ancestry communities, fostering a culturally aware and responsive care environment.

With events planned around the Super Bowl, NAMI is set to engage actively in various initiatives:

• - Radio Row: NAMI's leadership will participate in media interviews, emphasizing that mental health is essential for everyone, including athletes, fans, and families.
• - Legacy in Lights Awards Brunch: Speeches from NAMI officials will focus on personal experiences and the impact of mental health on leadership and community.
• - Super Bowl Charity Fashion Show: This annual show will unite NFL-connected women to raise funds, with mental health at the forefront.
• - Girls in Flag Program: A youth event at Laney College will support young women through mentorship and sports engagement.

About NAMI and Partners

NAMI stands as the largest grassroots mental health organization in the USA, committed to improving lives for those affected by mental illness. Its collaboration with the Off The Field NFL Wives Association, founded in 2006, is dedicated to charitable causes and empowering families.

Dan Marino, renowned for his NFL career, actively promotes health through his Stay Healthy Zone platform, focusing on wellness for individuals of all ages.

Through this partnership, NAMI and its collaborators are setting a powerful example of how sports communities can unite for mental health and wellness, ensuring that help is always accessible, especially during high-pressure events like the Super Bowl.