Samaritas Honors Michigan High School Coaches Prioritizing Mental Health
Samaritas, one of Michigan’s largest nonprofit health and human services organizations, is proud to announce the launch of “Coaches Who Care,” a program celebrating high school coaches who recognize the importance of mental health among young student-athletes.
Mental health is just as vital as physical health for student athletes, and Samaritas understands that high school coaches play a critical role in identifying challenges, fostering open conversations and creating supportive environments that help students thrive on and off the field.
“Mental health is central to our organization and we believe those who prioritize nurturing it should be honored”, said Dave Morin, CEO of Samaritas. “We’re hopeful that as we recognize these influential coaches, we can continue to minimize the stigma surrounding mental health advocacy and keep spreading awareness of the issue.”
be nice, an organization working closely with schools and businesses across Michigan to create a positive culture, increase mental health referrals and promote behaviors that prevent suicide, is partnering with Samaritas on the Coaches Who Care initiative. Through this partnership, be nice will help extend the campaign’s impact by shining a spotlight on the critical role high school coaches play in supporting student-athlete mental health.
Together, be nice and Samaritas aim to strengthen awareness, provide resources and empower coaches to foster environments where young athletes feel seen, supported and equipped to succeed.
“Coaches have the unique ability to notice changes in their athletes and create environments where mental health is prioritized,” said Christy Buck, CEO and Founder of be nice. “By modeling care for mental health, they help athletes build resilience beyond the game. Coaches Who Care lets us honor those who show mental health is just as important as physical health.
High school coaches are often on the front lines of shaping youth development, and an influential support system can go a long way to ensuring student-athletes’ growth and success. By recognizing these individuals, Samaritas and be nice are highlighting their everyday leadership, stressing the importance of mental well-being–on the field and in life.
Samaritas and be nice invite players, community members, parents and school staff to nominate a high school coach in their community who is not only building strong teams, but stronger, more resilient young people. To nominate a coach, visit: https://forms.gle/S4amGHtjeQ2dQTwZ9.
The deadline for nominations is September 30th and the first Mental Health Hall of Fame class will be announced in October, in recognition of National Depression and Health Screening Month.
News Clips
- Fraser-Clinton Chronicle, page 14: https://issuu.com/cgnews/docs/9_17_25_fraser-clinton_chronicle
- Grosse Pointe Times, page 8: https://issuu.com/cgnews/docs/9_18_25_grosse_pointe_times
- Mount Clemens-Clinton-Harrison Twp Journal, page 6: https://issuu.com/cgnews/docs/9_17_25_journal
- Macomb Chronicle, page 17: https://issuu.com/cgnews/docs/9_18_25_macomb_township_chronicle
- Sterling Heights Sentry, page 4: https://issuu.com/cgnews/docs/9_17_25_sterling_heights_sentry
- Warren Weekly, page 23: https://issuu.com/cgnews/docs/9_17_25_warren_weekly
- West Bloomfield Beacon, page 4: https://issuu.com/cgnews/docs/9_17_25_west_bloomfield_beacon