In an effort to strengthen mental health support for student-athletes, NCAA Division III has partnered with the National Council for Mental Wellbeing to provide fully funded Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) for Higher Education training to institutions across the division.
“In our efforts to assist Division III institutions with supporting their student-athletes’ mental health, we are excited to engage the National Council for Mental Wellbeing to provide this critical training,” said Louise McCleary, vice president of Division III. “Our goal is to equip those who interact with student-athletes daily with the tools to recognize and respond to mental health challenges, build resilience, and reduce stigma.”
The need for such training is clear. According to the 2022 NCAA Coach Well-Being Study, more than 80% of coaches reported spending more time addressing mental health concerns compared to pre-pandemic levels, with many identifying mental health as the top issue facing their teams. As of late July, 66 Division III institutions have completed MHFA training.
MHFA for Higher Education is an evidence-based, interactive program that teaches participants to recognize signs of mental health and substance use challenges, use the five-step MHFA Action Plan (ALGEE), connect students with appropriate resources, and practice self-care. The program aligns with NCAA Mental Health Best Practices and recommendations from the NCAA Mental Health Advisory Group.
Athletic Trainers and coaches who have completed the training emphasize its impact.
“The skills and techniques have empowered coaches to approach athletes with their concerns and encourage them to seek professional mental health services,” said Jennifer Ostrowski, director of the athletic training program at Moravian.
Catie Gilman, associate athletic trainer at Mount Holyoke, added:
“As an Athletic Trainer, mental health is as much a part of my job as physical health. MHFA equips us to act with confidence in a crisis.”
Through this initiative, up to 30 individuals at each Division III school can participate in a 7½-hour, on-campus training session led by MHFA instructors, with certification valid for three years. Read the full story here! More information is available at mhfa.org/ncaa.