Horizon League to Host Inaugural Forum on Mental and Physical Health

INDIANAPOLIS – Furthering its mission to assist in the development of student-athletes, the Horizon League announced today that it will be hosting its inaugural Forum, focusing on mental and physical health, on Thursday, June 2, at the Hyatt Regency Indianapolis.

“The well-being of our student-athletes is one of the core values of the Horizon League,” Commissioner Jon LeCrone said. “Through this forum, we have the opportunity to both learn from some of the nation’s experts and teach one another so that our campus administrators can further assist in the development of our student-athletes.”

Presenters will include:

• Dr. Brian Hainline, Chief Medical Officer of the National Collegiate Athletic Association
• Michael Grandner, Director of Sleep and Health Research Program, and Assistant Professor of Psychiatry, Medicine and Psychology at the University of Arizona
• Dr. Chris Carr, Sport and Performance Psychologist and Coordinator for Sport and Performance Psychology at St. Vincent Sports Performance
• Mary Wilfert, Associate Director of Prevention and Health Promotion, NCAA Sport Science Institute
• Dr. Tom McAllister, Albert E. Sterne Professor and Chair, Department of Psychiatry, Indiana University School of Medicine
• Dr. Michael Emery, Medical Director, The Center for Cardiovascular Care in Athletics Indiana University Health, Assistant Professor of Clinical Medicine, Krannert Institute of Cardiology, Indiana University School of Medicine
• Karen Roos, Datalyscenter

Thursday’s morning session will cover four distinct areas pertaining to student-athlete development: an overview of mental health best practices; sleep issues with an impact on performance; depression and self-identity as an athlete; sexual abuse and violence.

Lunch will feature round-table discussions with leaders in areas of sports medicine, substance abuse and sports psychology. Topics are scheduled to include eating disorders, patient-centered care, team communications with physicians, trainers and strength and conditioning personnel, transitioning from student-athlete to post-graduation life, and prescription drug abuse.

The afternoon sessions will focus on concussions, cardiac care and overuse injuries.

“Student-athletes on every campus, and young people in general, face a wide variety of social, mental and physical challenges,” Wright State athletic director and chairman of the student-athlete development committee Bob Grant said. “Our hope is to learn how we can best serve our student-athletes and assist in their development while they are on our campuses and also to prepare them for life after graduation.”

Both the morning and afternoon sessions of the Forum will be carried live on HorizonLeague.com.