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An E&I 2-Minute Read

A mental health crisis in higher education was simmering before the pandemic, but it definitely flared up major mental health concerns for college athletes. According to the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), rates of reported mental health concerns among college athletes have increased by 1.5-2x since 2020. 2022 even drew national media coverage because of the all time high suicide rate among college athletes.

Despite more attention to the issue, little progress has been made to reduce these figures. Research from the NCAA shows some concern:
   •   Mental health disorders among student-athletes remain highest among female athletes
   •   Student-athletes of color face a disproportionate burden of mental distress, as do LGBTQ student athletes
   •   Those student athletes reporting family economic hardship are disproportionately affected

No one challenges an athlete's decision to rest from a fractured ankle or broken wrist, but sometimes it happens with mental health issues. These issues can be just as restricting to an athletes performance, but often go neglected. What are some roadblocks to addressing mental health concerns?
   •   Traveling away from campus can make it difficult to see a therapist or counselor
   •   Stigma issues, are especially prevalent in athletics
   •   Lack of virtual resources, or even lack of familiarity on how to use them
   •   Cost and insurance coverage
   •   Lack of confidentiality
   •   Limited time between studies and sports

As a result of the increased mental health challenges due to COVID-19, more coaches report spending more time discussing mental health with student-athletes. While this increase is welcome news, it also highlights that coaches need support too. 

Interested in learning more about your mental health provider contracts with E&I? Contact Your Rep.

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An E&I Contract Partner

TimelyCare works with schools, athletic depts. on mental health

Virtual emotional and mental health care, such as the services provided by TimelyCare, can also help institutions meet the NCAA’s guidelines for mental health by providing accessible, confidential, and secure support for student-athletes. The guidelines emphasize the importance of providing resources and support for student-athlete mental health, including access to mental health screenings, referrals, counseling services, and ongoing care. By partnering with a virtual care provider like TimelyCare, colleges and universities can integrate mental health services into their athletic departments in ways that help meet the NCAA’s mental health guidelines. With 24/7, equitable access to care, athletes, coaches, and staff can promote a culture of help-seeking behavior and mental health support.

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E&I Cooperative Has Athletics Contracts You Can Access

You received this newsletter because E&I has many contracts that your procurement department has special pricing for. Click below to learn more about a few of them. E&I is your partner in collegiate and K-12 procurement needs. Through our contract portfolio, we help our member institutions make quick and informed purchase decisions.

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E&I Contract Details

Core Fitness

E&I's Core Health & Fitness contract provides access to highly rated brands in fitness like StairMaster, Nautilus, Schwinn, Star Trac, and Throwdown. E&I members receive full service, including installation, maintenance, and fitness programming.

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E&I Contract Details

JMI Sports

JMI Sports helps schools develop customized solutions and programs for athletics multimedia rights, sponsorships, and digital signage networks. This E&I contract offers project management solutions for your athletics program. Members generate revenue, exposure, and multimedia rights.

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E&I Contract Details

FieldTurf - A Tarkett Sports Co.

Your E&I FieldTurf contract offers synthetic turf, running tracks, indoor flooring, tennis courts, and sports surfacing. This contract offers a simple buying process with best market pricing, full service, and exclusive product and service.

Why Members Work With E&I?

6,000+

U.S. member institutions, universities, and K-12

200+

Member solicited buying
contracts you can access

$3B+

Yearly spend of E&I members
means large savings for you

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E&I Partner Announcement - Short's Travel

Short's Travel Management Selected as Official Travel Partner for Saint Mary's College of California Athletics
Short's Travel Management (Short’s), a leading full-service athletic travel management company, is proud to announce its partnership with Saint Mary's College of California Athletics (SMC). Short's will provide comprehensive travel solutions for the college's athletic teams, including ground transportation, air charters, commercial reservations, and group hotel. With a commitment to delivering seamless and efficient travel experiences, Short's will play a crucial role in managing the complex travel logistics associated with collegiate athletics. The company's expertise in ground transportation ensures reliable and timely transfers for the athletes, while their proficiency in air charters and commercial reservations guarantees smooth and hassle-free travel arrangements. Short's group hotel service will contribute to creating a comfortable and conducive environment for the teams during their away games and competitions. The company's extensive network and industry relationships enable them to secure competitive rates and optimal accommodations for the athletes and staff.

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