BYU Football To Participate In ‘3Day’ To Break Stigma Of Mental Health

PROVO, Utah – BYU football’s game against Missouri scheduled for October 10th will take place during a growing event in college football called “3Day.”

3Day is a mental health awareness event in college football that takes place from October 3rd to the 10th. 2020 marks the second year of the event.

We’re so excited that @BYUfootball and @MT_FB have decided to join us for #3Day this fall! While this season looks uncertain for many schools, we’re grateful that these ten universities are making mental health a priority, increasing mental health resources, + eliminating stigma. pic.twitter.com/j4rQmSbSkC

— Hilinski’s Hope (@HilinskisHope) July 17, 2020

BYU and Missouri are two of ten college football programs that are participating in 3Day for the 2020 season.

3Day was founded by non-profit Hilinski’s Hope Foundation. Named after the late Washington State quarterback Tyler Hilinski who tragically took his life in January 2018. Hilinski’s Hope is designed to promote awareness and education of mental health for student-athletes.

From the Hilinski’s Hope website:

Mental Illness Awareness Week is October 4-10, culminating in World Mental Health Day on October 10, 2020.

Beginning on October 3 and ending on October 10 – both days with college football games – Hilinski’s Hope Foundation (H3H) will curate a collective week of action focused on eliminating stigma and increasing mental health resources on universities and colleges.

H3H helps colleges and universities save lives, eliminate stigma, and scale mental wellness programs for student-athletes. H3H does this by sharing Tyler’s story, connecting students with mental health resources, and assisting universities to institutionalize best practices.

All players from BYU and Missouri will wear a lime green ribbon (the official ribbon showing solidarity for those struggling with mental health and illness) on their helmets during the game.

#WorldMentalHealthDay2019 #UNIT3D we will help raise awareness & end the stigma. Our minds need to be cared for as much as our bodies. Please reach out to 3 people today and tell them how much you care #foreverto3 #H3H #hopeneversinks ❤️❤️❤️ pic.twitter.com/5XRWUHS6O5

— Hilinski’s Hope (@HilinskisHope) October 10, 2019

The last time BYU and Missouri faced one another was in 2015. Missouri won that game by a score of 20-16. The quarterback for BYU that season was Tanner Mangum who has been a vocal advocate for bringing awareness to mental health. In 2017, Mangum opened up about his battles with anxiety and depression. Mangum continues to use his platform to “break the stigma” around mental health.

If you or someone you know is struggling or needs support, it is always available at the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. 1-800-273-8255

Mitch Harper is a BYU Insider for KSLsports.com and host of the Cougar Tracks Podcast (SUBSCRIBE) and Cougar Sports Saturday (Saturday from 12-3 pm) on KSL Newsradio. Follow him on Twitter: @Mitch_Harper.