Valvoline Inc. and College Athletes Join Forces to Promote Mental Health Awareness

In a significant move to address mental health issues, Valvoline Inc., a leader in preventive automotive maintenance, has partnered with prominent student athletes from Ohio State University and the University of Tennessee. This collaboration aims to increase awareness about mental health and promote the message of “Protect What Matters” during Suicide Prevention Month.

Laura Carpenter, the Chief Customer Officer at Valvoline, emphasized the importance of both vehicle maintenance and mental well-being. She shared, “At Valvoline Inc., we understand how important regular preventive maintenance is to protect your vehicle. During Suicide Prevention Month and throughout the year, we want people to protect their mental health, too.” The initiative aims to inspire a community-wide dialogue about the importance of mental health care, ultimately leading to a reduction in stigmas surrounding the topic.

The collaboration features student athletes such as Carnell Tate, wide receiver for Ohio State University, along with Karlyn Pickens from the Tennessee softball team and basketball player Cade Phillips. Each athlete is sharing personal mental health tips and encouraging others to prioritize their mental well-being. To further incentivize online engagement, for every social media share of their posts, Valvoline will donate $1 to Nationwide Children's Hospital in Columbus, Ohio, and East Tennessee Children's Hospital in Knoxville, Tennessee, with a maximum contribution of $5,000 to each.

According to data from the Centers for Disease Control, individuals working in the automotive repair and maintenance sector experience a notably higher suicide rate compared to those in other industries. Recognizing this alarming trend, Valvoline is committed to meaningful community engagement and corporate contributions aimed at improving mental health outcomes, especially within their workforce of over 11,000 employees operating at more than 1,000 service centers across North America.

Earlier in the year, the company also collaborated with KVC Behavioral Healthcare Kentucky to provide critical training, known as the Collaborative Assessment and Management of Suicidality (CAMS), to clinicians in Kentucky. This training equips professionals with the necessary skills to address suicidality effectively and has garnered positive community feedback. Valvoline has plans to announce additional partnerships that will further support mental health initiatives in the coming weeks.

The partnership with student athletes was coordinated through Learfield's corporate development team alongside Ohio State Sports Properties and the Vol Network, establishing a robust network of support for mental health awareness in college sports. The drive for better mental health practices resonates strongly with young athletes who face substantial pressure, both academically and athletically. By leveraging these athletes' visibility, Valvoline is striking a powerful chord in a crucial discussion.

In a broader context, Valvoline’s operational scope extends well beyond preventive maintenance services. Operating at more than 2,100 locations, the company focuses on delivering reliable service that meets the varying needs of vehicle owners, which includes everything from quick oil changes to comprehensive vehicle maintenance. This year alone, they complete over 28 million services, underscoring their commitment to excellence within the automotive sector.

Valvoline’s initiatives are indicative of a larger movement toward mainstreaming mental health advocacy, particularly among young adults and professionals. As discussions on mental health become increasingly critical, collaborations like these serve as vital reminders of the ongoing challenges and the collective efforts needed to address them effectively.

For more information about Valvoline’s community programs or their automotive services, visit vioc.com. They are here to remind us all that caring for our vehicles is just as important as caring for ourselves—both require regular attention and maintenance.

About Valvoline Inc.

Valvoline Inc. stands as a pillar in automotive service, recognized for quick, simple, and reliable maintenance solutions. Its vast network supports not only customer satisfaction but also the health and well-being of its workforce and communities. For more information about their services or mental health initiatives, you can reach out to Valvoline directly.

About Ohio State Athletics

The Ohio State University's Department of Athletics continues to be a beacon of excellence, with a commitment to providing top-tier support to its student-athletes, helping them thrive both academically and athletically.

About Learfield

Learfield powers college athletics through diverse digital and physical platforms, fostering connections between academic institutions and their fanbases, thus enhancing engagement and support for various health and wellness initiatives throughout the collegiate sports landscape.