Hudson, Allred Lead Measure in House to Enhance Suicide Prevention Efforts for College Athletes

WASHINGTON, D.C. – In recognition of Mental Illness Awareness Week, U.S. Representative Richard Hudson (NC-09) and Rep. Collin Allred (TX-32) introduced the Targeting Emotional And Mental Stability (TEAMS) Act, legislation that would expand access to a federal grant aimed at campus suicide prevention. 

“With mental health challenges among our nation’s college students on the rise, I want to make sure they are properly supported,” said Rep. Hudson. “The TEAMS Act will ensure student athletes across the country have access to the resources they need in order to navigate unique pressures they face on and off the field.”

The TEAMS Act would allow school-based initiatives supporting the mental health needs of college athletes to be eligible for the Garrett Lee Smith Campus Suicide Prevention Grant Program. A NCAA survey found that student-athletes continue to report elevated levels of mental health concerns, and less than half of student-athletes felt comfortable seeking mental health support from professionals on campus. 

Colleges and universities awarded funds under the grant program would be required to include a letter of support from athletic departments to ensure they are involved in the application process and the proposed activities benefit the athletes. To read the legislation, click here. 

“As a former collegiate athlete, I know the pressure and added demands student-athletes face, on and off the field. I’ll always work to expand opportunities for our young athletes to get the support they need on campus,” said Rep. Allred. “I’m proud to join my colleagues today in introducing this bipartisan bill to do just that and look forward to continuing to work together on solutions to help improve mental health for our student-athletes.”

The TEAMS Act is endorsed by 14 organizations and has received support from colleges and universities across North Carolina, including Duke University, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, and University of North Carolina at Charlotte—Rep. Hudson’s alma mater.

“Duke University applauds Representative Richard Hudson for introducing the TEAMS Act, which will provide additional resources for the mental wellness for students in sports, academics and life. The health and well-being of our students, in this case, our student-athletes in particular, are always at the forefront of everything we do, and we are thankful for this support.” said Nina King, Vice President, Director of Athletics and Chris Simmons, Vice President for Government Relations, Duke University.

“UNC Chapel Hill applauds Rep. Hudson's leadership in addressing the critical mental health challenges faced by college athletes and fully supports the introduction of the bipartisan TEAMS Act. The bill's focus on using GLS Campus Suicide Prevention Grant funds to establish school-based mental health programs for student athletes is a much-needed initiative. By providing virtual mental health care, peer counseling, crisis lines, and stigma reduction efforts, this legislation recognizes the importance of prioritizing the mental well-being of our collegiate sports community. The TEAMS Act will further enhance these critically important support services to deepen the overall wellness of our student athletes.” said Kelly M. Dockham, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

“We commend Congressman Richard Hudson on introducing the Targeting Emotional and Mental Stability (TEAMS) Act as the mental and emotional wellbeing of our student-athletes are of primary concern. The TEAMS Act would provide much needed resources and programs to support student-athletes as they are tasked with balancing their academics and athletics as well as their physical and mental health. Allowing for the hiring of staff within athletics through the TEAMS Act would be extremely helpful as student-athletes experience unique mental health challenges. This act would provide peer-to-peer counseling leading to student-athletes being afforded the opportunity to develop deeper relationships with licensed therapists who are understanding of their mental health needs. We are excited to work with Congressman Hudson on this critical legislation not only on behalf of UNC Charlotte’s student-athletes, but for all collegiate student-athletes.” said Mike Hill, Athletic Director at University of North Carolina at Charlotte. 

At the end of September, U.S. Senators John Boozman (R-AR) and Cory Booker (D-NJ) introduced a companion bill in the Senate.

“Collegiate athletics are incredibly demanding on student-athletes and create a unique pressure unfamiliar to most of their classmates,” said Senator Boozman. “The TEAMS Act will improve access to resources and support their mental health needs as they navigate school, sports and other aspects of life. I’m proud to lead this initiative so we can help these competitors succeed on and off the field.” 

“As a former college athlete, I know the immense stress and demands our college athletes face to excel both in sports and academics,” said Senator Booker. “It is crucial that our college athletes have the mental health resources and care they need to succeed in all aspects of their lives on and off the field. This legislation will provide more access to mental health resources to provide the necessary support our college athletes need for their health and well-being.”

“Young people today face overwhelming threats to their mental health, and college athletes face additional stresses due to increased pressures from peers, college communities, family, and social media,” said Mental Health America Chief Public Policy Officer Mary Giliberti. “These negative effects on mental health can far outweigh the benefits of being a student-athlete. Mental Health America commends the TEAMS Act, which will take a comprehensive approach to reducing stigma and providing help through services including peer-to-peer counseling.”

“Student and college athletes face unique challenges to their mental health as they balance the demands of academic studies and the high pressures of their sports,” said Laurel Stine, J.D., M.A., Executive Vice President and Chief Policy Officer at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. “According to a recent NCAA survey, student athletes have been reporting high levels of mental exhaustion, anxiety, and feelings of depression since 2020. The TEAMS Act would ensure that grant funding is available for colleges and universities to create and implement innovative school-based programs to address the specific mental health needs of these athletes. AFSP is grateful to Representative Hudson and Representative Allred for leading this important legislation.”