Nina and Ryan Day Donate $5 Million to Establish Mental Health Resilience Fund at Ohio State
In a monumental act of generosity, Nina and Ryan Day have committed $5 million to establish the Mental Health Resilience Fund at Ohio State University. The fund aims to support the mental health and well-being of Ohio State students, athletes, and staff, underscoring the Day family’s dedication to fostering a positive and supportive environment for the university community.
Ryan Day, the head football coach for the Buckeyes, has long been an advocate for mental health awareness, and this new initiative is a continuation of his commitment to breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health struggles. He and his wife, Nina, believe in the power of resilience and want to ensure that all members of the Ohio State community have access to the resources and support they need to thrive, both on and off the field.
“Our mental health is just as important as our physical health, and we’ve seen firsthand how mental health challenges can affect people in all areas of life,” said Ryan Day in a statement. “Nina and I are proud to support this initiative at Ohio State. The Mental Health Resilience Fund will give students and athletes the tools they need to manage their mental well-being and help them lead healthier, more balanced lives.”
The fund will provide scholarships, counseling services, and wellness programs for students and athletes, as well as research grants to support ongoing mental health studies. It will also provide critical resources for those facing mental health challenges, including access to support groups, therapy sessions, and resilience-building programs. This initiative comes at a crucial time, as the COVID-19 pandemic has led to an increase in mental health struggles across the country, particularly among college students.
Nina Day, a mental health advocate herself, emphasized the importance of creating a safe, open environment where people can seek help without fear of judgment. “We want to normalize the conversation around mental health and ensure that everyone, regardless of their background or role, feels comfortable seeking help,” Nina Day said. “Mental resilience is a crucial skill, and we want to make sure that Ohio State is a place where people feel supported in building that resilience.”
The Days’ gift is part of a broader trend in college athletics to address the growing mental health needs of student-athletes. As athletes face immense pressure to perform, mental health resources have become increasingly important in helping them cope with the unique challenges they face. Ohio State, under Ryan Day’s leadership, has been a strong advocate for the well-being of its athletes, and the establishment of the Mental Health Resilience Fund is a testament to the university’s commitment to student and athlete care.
The Day family’s donation will also enable the university to partner with leading mental health professionals to implement new initiatives and research that aim to advance mental health practices and policies within collegiate sports.
As the Mental Health Resilience Fund gets underway, it is expected to have a lasting impact on Ohio State University, helping to create a more resilient, supported, and mentally healthy community for generations to come. Ryan and Nina Day’s visionary gift will undoubtedly pave the way for greater mental health awareness in the years ahead.
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