Wellness

NCAA Sport Science Institute: Supporting Student-Athlete Mental Wellness Introduction Video

​Kansas Athletics believes that, “Mental and Physical Health are inextricably linked. Evidence suggest an elevated risk of injury among athletes who experience anxiety, depression, abuse alcohol, or have an eating disorder. Furthermore, the athlete’s psychological response to injury has the potential to exacerbate existing vulnerabilities. Mental health is a key component of student-athlete wellness, and Kansas Athletics is committed to providing an environment that supports wellness while also providing resources so that student-athletes can abstain referrals to mental health services”. (Kansas Athletics, Inc, Procedures for Identification and Referral of Student-Athletes for Mental Health Services)
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SAAC, in collaboration with Kansas Athletics Sports Medicine Team, is determined to change the narrative by providing an environment that promotes mental and physical wellness while also providing resources so that student-athletes can obtain referrals to mental health services.

Through sharing our own stories, providing mental health education, and access to mental health resources, our goal is that not only do we support our JAYHAWKS on the field but off the field as well. That we are BETTER TOGETHER and together we will….  BEAK THE STIGMA!

KANSAS ATHLETICS
SPORTS MEDICINE DEPARTMENT
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If you would like to set up an appointment to discuss accessing mental health resources, please contact your Athletic Trainer OR the Student-Athlete Wellness coordinator at:

KRISTIE BAUMCHEN, LSCSW, LMAC
STUDENT-ATHLETE WELLNESS COORDINATOR
Kansas Athletics- Sports Medicine
(785) 864-4721
kbaumchen@ku.edu