Mental health conference to feature Cincinnati Reds baseball player Jake Fraley

In an effort to shed light on mental health challenges, Ohio University Southern will be hosting the inaugural Community Mental Health Awareness Conference on Friday, Oct. 6.

The conference, which is open to the public, will feature Cincinnati Reds outfielder Jake Fraley as the keynote speaker.

Fraley has risen to prominence in professional baseball not only for his athletic skills but also for his candidness about his personal struggles with mental health. His journey is an inspiring tale of resilience, as he managed to overcome his own battles and emerge as a beacon of hope. Fraley has also been a vocal advocate for mental health awareness, utilizing his platform to break down the stigma.

"It's essential to create an environment where athletes feel comfortable talking about their mental health. We put a lot of emphasis on our physical conditioning, but mental fitness is just as crucial for peak performance," Fraley said.

The Community Mental Health Awareness Conference will include a variety of panel discussions, workshops and presentations by professionals and persons with lived experience.

The goal of the conference is to create a positive environment where attendees can learn more about the importance of fostering mental health, recognize factors linked to mental health, and learn strategies to promote better mental well-being. Attendees will also learn more about resources available in the tri-state area. 

For more information about Ohio University Southern’s Community Mental Health Awareness Conference and registration details, please visit www.ohio.edu/southern/mental-health-conference.

Organizations interested in setting up tables to share information about their services are asked to reach out to Robert Pleasant, director of student services, at pleasanr@ohio.edu.