Marquette University Athletics
Marquette SAAC Initiates Mental Health Campaign
3/2/2017 12:00:00 AM | Academics and Student Programs
MILWAUKEE - The Marquette University Student-Athlete Advisory Committee has launched a social media campaign to raise awareness and end the stigma that is associated with mental illness. The campaign began during the week of Feb. 26-March 4 and will continue throughout the month of March.
Initiated by Marquette University SAAC, the social media campaign was launched in conjunction with National Eating Disorders Awareness Week and will continue throughout the month of March. The goal was to create the conversation and bring to an end the stigma that surrounds mental health as 1-in-4 people are affected by it worldwide.
The Marquette's women's lacrosse team started the social media campaign featuring a "Four-person push-up challenge" and it quickly spread from program-to-program on campus before growing into a nationwide movement.
Why?
The idea for the "Four-person push-up challenge" stemmed from an increased awareness on campus and a desire for more conversations surrounding mental health. Marquette SAAC decided to make the challenge something that could not be accomplished alone because there's an obvious need to lift each other up and not be afraid to talk about what matters. It is important for people to know that 1-in-4 are affected by mental illness. SAAC sought to use its platform in order to end the stigma surrounding mental health.
When?
The challenge will kick off the week of February 26-March 4, which is National Eating Disorders Awareness Week. It will continue through the month of March to create as much mental health awareness as possible.
Join the Conversation on Social Media
The hashtags #TalkToMe and #1x4 will be used throughout the campaign that will challenge other teams, students and organizations.
