SAMHI Mustangs
Changing what it means to be mentally tough.
About SAMHI
In 2014, Samantha DeLenardo and Krista Van Slingerland founded the Student-Athlete Mental Health Initiative (SAMHI). Two years later, this volunteer-run, not-for-profit organization was officially registered as a charity. The work done at SAMHI focuses on three areas: education, advocacy, and care.
Philosophy
Roughly 70% of post-secondary students will struggle at some point with their mental health. With the added pressure to perform in both school and sports, while managing other responsibilities like jobs, social lives, and family life, student-athletes may be more likely to struggle.
Often student-athletes have difficulty getting help because of the stigma surrounding mental health and illness in sport. The expectation to be mentally tough keeps many student-athletes silent and isolated.
Purpose
The purpose of our team is to work towards a community where people know how to recognize when they’re struggling with their mental health, know where they can go for help, and get help without feeling shame or being shamed by others.
Our Western Mustangs campus team is helping to change what it means to be mentally tough!
Vision
Our focus is to strive to ensure that all Canadian student-athletes excel both in and out of competition, and across all life domains.
Upcoming Events
October Mental-Health Check-InTue, Oct 25Location is TBD
October MASC MeetingMon, Oct 24Location is TBD