#United States #mental health #Aurora #Sports Conference #COACmH

CU Anschutz Hosts the Second Annual Coalition of Athletic Communities for Mental Health Conference

The CU Anschutz Helen and Arthur E. Johnson Depression Center is proud to announce that it will be hosting the second annual Coalition of Athletic Communities for Mental Health (COACmH) Conference from February 17 to 19, 2026. Scheduled to take place in Aurora, Colorado, this event aims to bring together a wide spectrum of participants, including athletes, researchers, coaches, athletic staff, trainers, parents, health professionals, and others passionate about mental health in sports. Registration is required to attend, and interested individuals can find more information and secure their spot by visiting the conference's website.

A Unique Opportunity for Discussion and Learning

This year's conference offers unparalleled opportunities to engage in critical discussions with leaders and experts in the mental health landscape as it pertains to sports. Attendees will have the chance to participate in research-driven conversations that aim to facilitate real-world solutions for enhancing mental health support within athletic programs and organizations.

The COACmH Conference is dedicated to transitioning the narrative from mere awareness to actionable understanding. Through a collaborative approach, the conference aims to integrate various perspectives from different disciplines while honoring both professional expertise and personal experiences.

Dr. Matt Mishkind, Deputy Director of the CU Anschutz Helen and Arthur E. Johnson Depression Center, emphasizes the importance of this conference by stating, "The COACmH Conference will help participants build a constellation of resources. We believe this is one of the only conferences to bring together multi-disciplinary expertise and perspectives to focus specifically on the mental health landscape across sport. This is especially important as suicide is the second leading cause of death among college athletes, and mental health challenges are increasing in all levels of sport."

Key Topics and Learning Opportunities

Attendees can look forward to a rich program that includes continuing education credits, certification training sessions, plenary panels, smaller breakout presentations, and intimate conversations. The conference will cover a diverse array of pressing topics in mental health, including:

• - Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Care Best Practices
• - Addictions
• - Eating Disorders
• - Youth Sports as Protective Factors
• - Stigma and Access to Care Solutions
• - Team-Based Care
• - Athlete Culture
• - Sleep and Mental Health

Each of these topics will be discussed from various perspectives, including professional, academic, and personal insights, further enriching the dialogue and effectiveness of the sessions.

A Mission to Transform the Landscape of Sports

In alignment with the Center's mission, the conference seeks to enhance the public good by transforming the landscape of sports and providing informed insights to diverse audiences. By enabling attendees to share their own experiences and perspectives, the conference aims to effect change in how mental health is approached and treated in athletic communities.

As the date approaches, the excitement around the COACmH Conference continues to build, promising to be a pivotal event in the ongoing journey towards better mental health practices in sports. For anyone interested in making a difference in the mental health space, this conference is not to be missed.