At OHSLA, player safety is our top priority, and that includes the mental and emotional health of our athletes. We believe in supporting the "whole player," which means breaking the stigma around mental health and ensuring no one in our community feels alone.
The Unique Role of the Coach: Coaches have a unique vantage point. Because you see your athletes in high-pressure situations—through both wins and losses—you are often the first to notice when a player's behavior or energy shifts. While not all signs of distress are obvious, a coach's position of trust allows for the supportive conversations that make a real difference.
Our goal is to ensure that if a situation arises, every coach, player, and parent knows exactly where to turn for help.
Essential Resources: These organizations provide 24/7 support and are vital tools for our community:
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 anytime for immediate, confidential support.
- YouthLine: An Oregon-based, peer-to-peer support system for young people.
- NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness): Advocacy and education for families (supported by many in our community).
- Lines for Life: Localized support for substance abuse and suicide prevention.
- Oregon Suicide Prevention: Comprehensive guides on how to talk to youth about mental health.