In recognition of Student Athlete Mental Health Week, the Aurora University and Concordia University Chicago football programs are proud to be teaming up with Hilinski's Hope to raise awareness and break the stigma around mental health. The Spartans and Cougars are slated for a Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference contest on Saturday, October 7 with a 1:00 p.m. kickoff in River Forest, Illinois.

The Hilinski's Hope Foundation was founded in 2018 to honor the life of Tyler Hilinski, who died by suicide yet never showed any signs of depression or struggle. AU and CUC are joining more than 150 universities this week to honor and remember Tyler and all those we've lost as we fight for a future full of hope.

"We are extremely proud to partner with Hilinski's Hope as we head into Mental Health Week," said AU Head Football Coach Don Beebe. "Our program is committed to breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health, and understanding that we are family, we are there to help each other through any and all issues."

"We are glad to support general awareness of mental health challenges as well as bring more awareness to the support that is available for our players," said CUC Head Football Coach Andy Lambert. "Talking about mental health will help break down stigma. Just having open and vulnerable conversations in a safe environment about mental health and support will normalize the challenges many of us might face."

Nearly 25 percent of collegiate athletes have reported clinically relevant levels of depressive symptoms while 6.3 percent of collegiate student-athletes met the criteria of clinically significant depression. According to the NCAA, the number of student-athletes reporting mental health concerns is 1 and a half times higher than before Covid-19 while less than half of student-athletes feel comfortable personally seeking support from a mental health provider on campus.

Together we can change that. We challenge you to break the stigma and have an open conversation with someone. Be conscious of your language; encourage equality between mental and physical illness; choose empowerment instead of shame; promote acceptance. You are not alone. If you are in crisis please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by dialing 988.

As they go head to head on the field this Saturday, the Spartans and Cougars stand by each other to prove that Mental Health Matters.

To learn more and/or get involved with Hilinski's Hope Foundation please visit https://www.hilinskishope.org/cfb-mental-health-week.

About Hilinski's Hope:

H3H helps colleges and universities save lives, eliminate stigma, and scale mental wellness programs for student athletes. H3H does this by sharing Tyler's story, connecting students with mental health resources, and assisting universities to institutionalize best practices. To learn more about H3H please visit www.hilinskishope.org