May 12, 2023 – United Soccer League Championship (USL) News Release
TAMPA, Fla. – As part of Mental Health Awareness Month, the United Soccer League (USL) announced today the launch of NEED SUPPORT?, a new platform focused on driving awareness of the importance of mental health for our communities.
The centerpiece of the campaign is an innovative partnership with 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (988 Lifeline). The 988 Lifeline, funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and administered by Vibrant Emotional Health (Vibrant), is a national network of local crisis centers that provide free and confidential support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, seven days a week in the United States. Throughout the 2023 season, the USL and its clubs will drive awareness of 988 Lifeline in an effort to support people in our communities as they navigate their mental health at all stages in their lives.
“The recent statistics around mental health, especially the mental health of young people, who make up a significant portion of soccer fans in America, should be setting off alarms for everyone,” said USL CMO Greg Lalas. “That’s why we are launching the NEED SUPPORT? campaign and are committed to caring for the mental health of our communities. The USL is proud to work with 988 Lifeline to spread the word about mental health, the support that is available for people in crisis, and ways we can all help each other. It’s just the first step, but an important one.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the mental health crisis in the United States is worsening. It affects all groups, regardless of age, race, gender or sexual orientation, and is most prominent among young people.
The CDC’s recent Youth Risk Behavior Survey states:
In 2021, 42 percent of high school students reported experiencing “persistent feelings of sadness and hopelessness,” up from 28 percent in 2011.
22 percent “seriously considered attempting suicide,” up from 16 percent in 2011.
The NEED SUPPORT? campaign will begin to roll out across the USL Championship and USL League One this weekend, including during Saturday’s national broadcast of Louisville City FC vs. Miami FC on ESPN2.
“Vibrant Emotional Health is proud to partner with the United Soccer League as it rolls out the pivotal NEED SUPPORT? campaign during Mental Health Awareness Month,” said Dr. Tia Dole, Chief 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline Officer at Vibrant. “We must…