BOCA RATON, Fla. – Florida Atlantic University athletics is joining efforts with 118 participating colleges and universities to raise mental health awareness, destigmatize mental illness, and provide quality resources to student-athletes nationwide.
 
"At FAU, we strive to take a holistic approach when supporting our student-athletes, and their mental health and well-being is a big part of that," said Dr. Tess Palmateer, the Director of Mental Health and Performance for the FAU athletics department. "We hope that this week brings about a sense of openness surrounding mental health, empowers our student-athletes to ask for help, and lets them know that they are not alone!"
 
The Owls have programing throughout the week of October 1-8 celebrating the third annual Hilinki's Hope Foundation's College Football Mental Health Week.
 
The week will open with a joint effort between FAU and the University of North Texas at the football game, scheduled for 4 p.m. eastern time and airing on ESPN+, with helmet stickers and the holding up of three fingers at the beginning of the third quarter.
 
Monday, the coaches and staff will start the week off right with Owl family crafts, music, games, and snacks exemplifying the importance of taking time for self-care.
 
Tuesday, student-athletes, coaches, and staff will be encouraged to write supportive messages for their Owl family as a tool of hope and help when they're struggling. A "Lunch and Learn" will be held focusing upon creating a safe and supportive sport environment.
 
Wednesday is the day to play. Athletics will host Paws to De-Stress, where student-athletes and coaches will be invited to hang out with certified therapy dogs in the Tom Oxley Founders' Lounge.
 
Thursday, Palmateer, along with Dr. Raphi Wald, FAU's Team Psychologist, will host "Your Mental Health Matters." The program is designed to bring awareness to mental health.
 
Friday will conclude the week-long events with Hope Bracelets and use social media platforms to promote mental health awareness and fight the stigma. #MentalHealthAwareness and #CFBMHW.
 
Follow along all week on team social accounts and @fauathletics on Twitter and Instagram.