2024 House Resolution 299

Whereas, Nearly 500,000 high school and college students in Michigan currently participate in athletics; and

Whereas, Student athletes in Michigan demonstrate exceptional dedication, sportsmanship, and leadership both on and off the field, court, or track; and

Whereas, These student athletes represent the pride of their schools, communities, and the entire state through their hard work, perseverance, and commitment to excellence; and

Whereas, National Student Athlete Mental Health Week provides an opportunity to recognize and honor the unique mental health challenges of student athletes in Michigan and across the United States; and

Whereas, A 2021 National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) survey on mental health reported elevated levels of mental health concerns among student athletes; and

Whereas, Less than half of survey respondents indicated they felt comfortable seeking mental health support on campus; and

Whereas, Student athletes in high school and college experience unique mental health stressors, including expectations to perform and achieve in sports on top of their academic requirements; and

Whereas, Student athletes and their peers experience issues with stress and burnout, eating disorders, body dysmorphia, depression, and anxiety, which in the most severe cases if left untreated may lead to suicide or suicidal ideation; and

Whereas, NCAA data shows that suicide is the second leading cause of death among college athletes; and

Whereas, Studies show student athletes may be less likely to seek counseling and other professional help services; and

Whereas, Mental health stigma significantly contributes to student athletes not seeking needed care or vocalizing their mental health concerns to parents, peers, and coaches; and

Whereas, Coaches and support staff are mentors to student athletes, and their knowledge of stigmatizing language and mental health services and resources can make a difference in the lives of athletes; and

Whereas, It is important to acknowledge the physical risks that student athletes face, including the risks of concussion and sudden cardiac arrest, and to promote awareness and prevention efforts in these areas; and

Whereas, Mental health and physical health are equally important components of overall health and well-being; and

Whereas, Better publicly available data is needed to track the mental health of student athletes, including the rate of suicide among this demographic; and

Whereas, The people of Michigan commemorate the courage of student athletes who seek out the help needed to take on these obstacles; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body declare October 5-12, 2024, Student Athlete Mental Health Week in the state of Michigan.