Saluki Athletics and and SIH announce "Rally Around the Pound" mental health initiative
11/03/2022 | 4:46:00 | General
CARBONDALE, Ill. — In an effort to raise awareness about the growing mental health crisis in our nation and region, Saluki Athletics and SIH are partnering on an initiative, Rally Around the Pound.
Throughout the school year, SIU athletic teams will be supporting mental and behavioral health initiatives by bringing speakers, outreach, awareness, and support to our region and the campus.
"Partnering with SIU on an initiative like 'Rally Around the Pound' is a winning combination for SIH," said SIH Vice President and Administrator of SIH Harrisburg Medical Center Don Hutson. "The support from Athletics and student-athletes to openly talk about mental health challenges in a public forum is a meaningful step toward hope and healing."
Hutson believes that in the same manner that mental health challenges can produce physical health problems, improving your mental health can improve your overall health and well-being.
"As the healthcare system that has supported Southern Illinois for decades, SIH is committed to doing all we can to reduce stigma surrounding mental health," he explained. "Whether that involves access to inpatient treatment or the ability to talk with a provider in-person or through telemedicine, SIH is dedicated to providing that care. Our message is consistent and clear: it's ok to seek help."
A dedicated Rally Around the Pound landing page is located on the Saluki Athletics website, where statistical information concerning mental health can be found, as well as resources and upcoming events in the community supporting mental health awareness.
"We're incredibly proud to team up with SIH, the leading provider of health care in our region, on this critical initiative," said SIU Director of Athletics Tim Leonard. "We look forward to spreading awareness about mental health issues and providing valuable resources to our community."
If you know of anyone or you, yourself, are suffering with behavioral or mental health issues, it's easier than ever to get assistance and access to resources with the national 988 call line.
Throughout the school year, SIU athletic teams will be supporting mental and behavioral health initiatives by bringing speakers, outreach, awareness, and support to our region and the campus.
"Partnering with SIU on an initiative like 'Rally Around the Pound' is a winning combination for SIH," said SIH Vice President and Administrator of SIH Harrisburg Medical Center Don Hutson. "The support from Athletics and student-athletes to openly talk about mental health challenges in a public forum is a meaningful step toward hope and healing."
Hutson believes that in the same manner that mental health challenges can produce physical health problems, improving your mental health can improve your overall health and well-being.
"As the healthcare system that has supported Southern Illinois for decades, SIH is committed to doing all we can to reduce stigma surrounding mental health," he explained. "Whether that involves access to inpatient treatment or the ability to talk with a provider in-person or through telemedicine, SIH is dedicated to providing that care. Our message is consistent and clear: it's ok to seek help."
A dedicated Rally Around the Pound landing page is located on the Saluki Athletics website, where statistical information concerning mental health can be found, as well as resources and upcoming events in the community supporting mental health awareness.
"We're incredibly proud to team up with SIH, the leading provider of health care in our region, on this critical initiative," said SIU Director of Athletics Tim Leonard. "We look forward to spreading awareness about mental health issues and providing valuable resources to our community."
If you know of anyone or you, yourself, are suffering with behavioral or mental health issues, it's easier than ever to get assistance and access to resources with the national 988 call line.
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