State of Oregon
07/15/2022 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 07/15/2022 16:00
Governor Kate Brown and Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff Join USA Track and Field Athlete Noah Lyles, University of Oregon Experts for Roundtable Discussion on Mental Health
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- Governor Kate Brown and Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff Join USA Track and Field Athlete Noah Lyles, University of Oregon Experts for Roundtable Discussion on Mental Health
Governor Kate Brown and Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff Join USA Track and Field Athlete Noah Lyles, University of Oregon Experts for Roundtable Discussion on Mental Health
July 15, 2022
USATF athlete Noah Lyles and university experts hold mental health conversation on prevention and support
Eugene, OR-Governor Kate Brown and Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff today participated in a roundtable discussion centered around raising awareness about mental health and the role of university research in prevention and intervention support. They were joined by USA Track and Field (USATF) athlete Noah Lyles, University of Oregon President Michael Schill, and leading faculty researchers. The group heard firsthand about the mental health struggles athletes face, and the importance of awareness, prevention, and evidence-based support.
"I was happy to sit down today with the Second Gentleman, Noah, and University of Oregon mental health experts to discuss solutions to meet the mental health needs of Oregonians," said Governor Brown. "Under my administration, we have invested over $1 billion in behavioral health services, but there is so much more work to do. I have been pleased to partner with the University of Oregon in launching the new Ballmer Institute, which will be a first-of-its-kind behavioral health education facility that will help us create a more diverse workforce. We are also grateful to have strong partners in the Biden-Harris administration who offer continued support at the federal level so we can continue to make progress."
"Mental health affects all Americans, especially our underserved and underrepresented communities," said Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff. "We need to be sure we all shine a light on this issue as best we can. If we can desensitize it and make it okay to talk about, we can literally save lives. The stakes are high."
"The University of Oregon is pleased to bring our faculty and researchers' expertise in prevention science, psychology, neuroscience, and early education to help address the nation's urgent mental and behavioral health crisis," said UO President Michael H. Schill. "We applaud the Biden-Harris administration for their support of public research on prevention and intervention programs. We also thank Governor Brown for being an instrumental partner in helping the UO launch the Ballmer Institute, an innovative undergraduate program that will create a new workforce of behavioral health specialists who will help young people, families, and teachers in the classroom."
"I am so grateful to USA Track & Field for encouraging and giving us an opportunity to have such an open and honest conversation about mental health. This topic hits close to home for me and I look forward to continuing these conversations to support athletes and prioritizing this important issue," said USATF Athlete Noah Lyles.
The Governor and Second Gentleman were joined by USA Track and Field athlete Noah Lyles, as well as University of Oregon President Michael Schill, Education Dean Laura Lee McIntyre, and Vice Provost of Undergraduate Education & Student Success Kimberly Johnson.
Photos of the event can be found here.
"I was happy to sit down today with the Second Gentleman, Noah, and University of Oregon mental health experts to discuss solutions to meet the mental health needs of Oregonians," said Governor Brown. "Under my administration, we have invested over $1 billion in behavioral health services, but there is so much more work to do. I have been pleased to partner with the University of Oregon in launching the new Ballmer Institute, which will be a first-of-its-kind behavioral health education facility that will help us create a more diverse workforce. We are also grateful to have strong partners in the Biden-Harris administration who offer continued support at the federal level so we can continue to make progress."
"Mental health affects all Americans, especially our underserved and underrepresented communities," said Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff. "We need to be sure we all shine a light on this issue as best we can. If we can desensitize it and make it okay to talk about, we can literally save lives. The stakes are high."
"The University of Oregon is pleased to bring our faculty and researchers' expertise in prevention science, psychology, neuroscience, and early education to help address the nation's urgent mental and behavioral health crisis," said UO President Michael H. Schill. "We applaud the Biden-Harris administration for their support of public research on prevention and intervention programs. We also thank Governor Brown for being an instrumental partner in helping the UO launch the Ballmer Institute, an innovative undergraduate program that will create a new workforce of behavioral health specialists who will help young people, families, and teachers in the classroom."
"I am so grateful to USA Track & Field for encouraging and giving us an opportunity to have such an open and honest conversation about mental health. This topic hits close to home for me and I look forward to continuing these conversations to support athletes and prioritizing this important issue," said USATF Athlete Noah Lyles.
The Governor and Second Gentleman were joined by USA Track and Field athlete Noah Lyles, as well as University of Oregon President Michael Schill, Education Dean Laura Lee McIntyre, and Vice Provost of Undergraduate Education & Student Success Kimberly Johnson.
Photos of the event can be found here.