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Schools across the country are working hard to ensure proper mental health care for their students. And Cleveland State University is no exception.
Their Department of Athletics is taking a significant step forward in addressing the needs of its student-athletes with the appointment of Lena Harris as the Athletics Counselor.
This move, a collaboration with the Cleveland State University Counseling Center, introduces a dedicated role aimed at providing mental health support and outreach services to over 365 student-athletes across all 19 Viking programs.
Interim athletic director Kelsie Gory Harkey highlighted the department's commitment to the well-being of its athletes:
"We are thrilled to be adding the counselor position... and we are excited to see how this new role will have a positive impact on our 365+ student-athletes."
The creation of the Athletics Counselor position is a direct result of the Horizon League's Mental Health Grant, a $550,000 initiative aimed at enhancing mental health resources across its member institutions.
Brittany Sommers, Director of the Counseling Center, expressed her enthusiasm for the project:
"At the Counseling Center, we are committed to promoting access to mental health support for all students."
Lena Harris, who brings over a decade of experience in various counseling roles, is poised to make a transformative impact in her new role. A Cleveland native and alumna of Cleveland State University, Harris's appointment is a homecoming of sorts.
Harris reflected on her journey and the significance of merging her passions for sports and mental health advocacy:
"This feels like a dream come true."
Her extensive background, including positions as a Mental Health Clinician and Emergency Response System Clinician, equips her with the expertise needed to support student-athletes in navigating the complexities of their academic and athletic commitments.
As the first to hold this pioneering position, Harris is set to change the narrative around mental health in athletics, promoting a holistic approach to student-athlete well-being.
Her efforts will not only aid in the immediate support for student-athletes but also contribute to the broader conversation on mental health in sports, making Cleveland State University a leader in this crucial area.
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