Utah Sports Commission and Huntsman Mental Health Institute announce partnership
Salt Lake City, UT (April 13, 2023) — The Utah Sports Commission and Huntsman Mental Health Institute (HMHI) announced a partnership to enhance awareness and action surrounding mental health in sport. The Utah Sports Commission pledged an initial commitment to HMHI to expand its valuable work of the anti-stigma campaign.
The announcement was made by Utah Sports Commission President and CEO Jeff Robbins along with Huntsman Foundation President and COO David Huntsman at the 11th annual Governor’s State of Sport Awards at Vivint Arena. They were joined by three of the most decorated athletes and mental health advocates in Olympic and Paralympic history, Apolo Ohno, Shaun White, and Jessica Long.
“For years, mental health has been a taboo subject–especially in sports. We are proud to join forces with Huntsman Mental Health Institute to promote mental health awareness in the world of sports,” said Jeff Robbins, President and CEO of the Utah Sports Commission. “Athletes at all levels face significant mental health challenges, and it’s essential to create a culture that encourages open conversations and seeks solutions to support their mental well-being. Through our partnership, we aim to create a positive impact and drive change in how mental health is perceived and addressed in the sports community.”
Founded in 2020, with the generous support of the Huntsman family, HMHI aims to transform mental health care in Utah by focusing on research, education, and clinical care. The Institute’s anti-stigma campaign has been instrumental in promoting mental health awareness and reducing stigma across various communities, and the partnership with the Utah Sports Commission will further amplify these efforts within the sports industry.
“We look forward to partnering with the Utah Sports Commission to help us engage key athletes to Stop Stigma Together,” said David Huntsman, President & COO of the Huntsman Foundation. “This partnership will enable us to expand our efforts in promoting mental health awareness and breaking down the barriers that prevent athletes from seeking help. Together, we can create a more inclusive and supportive environment for athletes, where mental health is prioritized and openly addressed.”
The partnership between the Utah Sports Commission and HMHI comes at a crucial time when mental health in sports has gained increased recognition as a critical issue that requires attention and action.
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About Utah Sports Commission
The Utah Sports Commission was created to be a catalyst for Utah in its Olympic legacy efforts and to help enhance Utah’s economy, image, and quality of life through the attraction, promotion, and development of national and international sports. Since the 2002 Olympics and Paralympics, the Utah Sports Commission has attracted over 1000 major events to the state. The Sports Commission works closely with communities, sports entities, and organizations to provide event services ranging from the bid process, on-site logistics, volunteer coordination, sponsorships and promotional opportunities, and other related services. It is a not-for-profit 501(c)6 business league and Utah Sports Commission Foundation, a not-for-profit 501c3 charitable organization, is governed by an all-volunteer Board of Trustees consisting of statewide sports, business, community, and government leaders. For more information, visit www.utahsportscommission.com and follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
About Huntsman Mental Health Institute
Huntsman Mental Health Institute (HMHI) was established in 2021 following the Huntsman Foundation’s historic gift of $150 million to the University of Utah. HMHI is a university-wide Institute with a reputation throughout the Mountain West as a leader in advanced psychiatric treatment and care, serving a diverse population from young children to geriatric patients. Researchers at HMHI develop and apply the most advanced methods in genetics, imaging, epidemiology, and big data analysis. HMHI is also the regional training center for psychiatry and other mental health disciplines. HMHI’s main 170-bed full-service hospital is adjacent to the University of Utah campus, and HMHI’s 1,644 faculty, staff, and students provide clinical, research, and training programs in more than 20 locations across Utah and Idaho. For more information, visit HMHI.utah.edu and join the conversation on TikTok, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, and Facebook.