NFL Players and Intermountain Health Team Up to Tackle Mental Health Crisis
The Strongest Play is Asking For Help: NFL Players and Intermountain Health CEO Discuss Mental Health Crisis
In a powerful and emotional panel discussion event in Las Vegas, current and former NFL players, along with Intermountain Health CEO Rob Allen, came together to shed light on the mental health crisis affecting millions of Americans. The event, titled “The Strongest Play is Asking For Help,” highlighted the importance of talking about feelings and seeking help when needed.
The panel discussion featured athletes such as Solomon Thomas of the New York Jets, Brandon Bolden, Darren Waller, Carl Nassib, Alec Ingold, Cedric Tillman, and Marcus Smith. These players shared their personal experiences with mental health struggles and emphasized the importance of vulnerability and seeking help.
Intermountain Health CEO Rob Allen called the mental health crisis an “epidemic” and expressed gratitude for the athletes and community leaders who participated in the event to raise awareness about mental well-being and suicide prevention.
Solomon Thomas spoke about the misconception of strength and emphasized the importance of vulnerability. Darren Waller shared his own struggles with substance use and alcohol disorders and highlighted the importance of honesty and seeking help.
Throughout the month of May, Intermountain Health will continue to share content from the panel discussion and engage in mental health conversations in communities. The athletes also participated in a service project, creating 1,000 Find Your Anchor boxes packed with mental health materials and resource information.
The Defensive Line, founded by Solomon Thomas after his sister’s suicide in 2018, shared alarming statistics about suicide ideation risk among Black females and males. The organization aims to raise awareness and provide support for those struggling with mental health issues.
Intermountain Health has been actively involved in suicide prevention efforts, distributing free gun locks and providing training on Counseling on Access to Lethal Means. If you or someone you know needs help, you can call the suicide hotline at 988.
The panel discussion highlighted the importance of destigmatizing mental health issues and encouraging open conversations about feelings and struggles. By sharing their own stories and advocating for mental health awareness, these NFL players are making a positive impact on their communities and inspiring others to seek help when needed.