The American Athletic Conference Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), representing the more than 7,000 student-athletes in the Conference, continues to make mental health and safety its top priority. With the inception of its Powerful Minds Campaign in the fall of 2017, The American SAAC has helped create awareness to mental health issues and the resources available for student-athletes. The definitive goal has been to end the stigma related to seeking help and promoting academic and personal success through a healthy, powerful mind.

During all athletic games next week, American coaching staffs will wear green ribbon patches and football student-athletes will have green ribbon patches on their helmets. The Conference also has produced a PSAs featuring student-athletes and coaches that will be run in-venue during games, as well as two features that can be played in-venue and on ESPN+ telecasts.
 
Green, the color of mental health awareness nationally, has been seen by The American’s fans during designated athletic contests throughout the years and the Conference’s #PowerfulMinds hashtag has been used prominently on all of its social media accounts.

2023-24's Powerful Minds Weeks
Fall Semester: October 1-7, 2023
Spring Semester: February 25-March 2, 2024

National Resources
NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness)

NCAA Sport Science Institute 

HEMHA (Higher Education Mental Health Alliance)

NCAA's Mind, Body and Sport handbook

Campus Resources
UAB
Charlotte
East Carolina
Florida Atlantic
Memphis
Navy
North Texas
Rice
South Florida
SMU
Temple
UTSA
Tulane
Tulsa
Wichita State