COLLEGE PARK, Md. -- The University of Maryland football team will host a Mental Health Awareness game when it welcomes Iowa to Capital One Field at Maryland Stadium on Friday, Oct. 1.

The Terrapins will partner with well-known speaker and author Rachel Baribeau for the game. Baribeau, who will attend the game, has spoken to head coach Michael Locksley and the Maryland football team several times over the last three years and is an advocate for mental health awareness. 

"As most people know, mental health awareness is something that's huge for my family, having had a son who suffered from mental health disorders before he passed," said Locksley. "It's something very near and dear to the Locksley family and thus we want to do everything we can to bring awareness to a disease that is often not given enough attention. 

"I'm happy to partner with Rachel and her team again," Locksley continued. "We worked with I'm Changing the Narrative for a Mental Health Awareness game on the road in 2019 and now we get to bring it to The Shell to hopefully make a difference and raise awareness with our fans. We've had Rachel on our campus a few times to talk to our guys. She's become a close friend as our goals align in that we want to shine a light on the importance of mental health awareness and supporting everyone that suffers." 

Maryland will wear a green ribbon on its helmets, as green is the color of mental health awareness. There will also be an in-game public service announcement video played that will focus on destigmatizing mental health, and it will also be shared on social media.

Maryland athletics will have content focusing on the importance of taking care of your mental health throughout the week leading up to the game. There will be a special episode of the Hear the Turtle podcast, a Feature Friday story on umtpers.com and information and mental health resources found in the game program that night. 

"Coach Locksley's dedication to his players' overall well-being day in and day out is life-changing, and saving, for so many of his players," says Baribeau. "I am beyond honored to call him and his wife, Kia, friends, and to be breaking down barriers surrounding mental-health alongside Coach Locks and the Maryland program.

"The opportunity to host this important game a second time is thrilling for me personally and my team at #ImChangingtheNarrative but more importantly I can't help but think about every single person that will be affected by the actions we take and the message we send," Baribeau continued. "You are not alone. You are not defective. You are valuable and loved. Reach out for help."

Those wising to learn more about Baribeau and her I'm Changing the Narrative movement can visit her website.

Maryland Athletics is committed to helping improve the mental well being of individuals. Click on the #TerpsTalk hashtag to find resources for those struggling with mental wellness, provide educational opportunities for those who want to learn more, and reduce the stigma associated with conversations about mental health.

For more Athletic Department and campus mental health resources, click here.
 

-MARYLAND-