National Student-Athlete Day is celebrated each year on April 6. The day provides an opportunity to recognize the outstanding accomplishments of student-athletes. Approximately eight million student-athletes compete in high school sports, and more than 530,000 compete in the NCAA. Balancing school and athletics can be difficult. Suicide rates among college athletes doubled between 2002 and 2022, according to University of Washington (UW) researchers Bridget Whelan, MPH, and Kelly Schloredt, PhD, ABPP, in 2024. Although rates of depression, anxiety and suicide have risen among all students, student-athletes face unique challenges due to pressures from both school and sport.

Coaches are in a position to have a lasting impact on the youth they interact with daily. The Coaches Assistance Program (CAP) was designed to educate coaches on how to recognize the signs of those considering suicide and provide information to guide athletes through stressful life situations. The CAP website also contains an informational seminar that delves into the problem of suicide for student-athletes and the unique pressures they face. It features several experts on the subject. More information is available on the CAP website. www.CoachesAssistanceProgram.com

CAP is one of many programs offered by The Jason Foundation (JFI). JFI is one of the leading nonprofit organizations dedicated to the awareness and prevention of youth suicide. All programs and services provided by The Jason Foundation are available to the public at no charge. To learn more about suicide prevention, access programs, or find the nearest Jason Foundation Affiliate Office, visit their website. www.JasonFoundation.com