Hilinski’s Hope Foundation, a nonprofit promoting awareness of mental health and wellness for student athletes, is teaming up with Claremont Mudd Scripps colleges for a week of mental health education starting Saturday, October 1.

The special week is in observance of the third annual college football mental health week, which aims to prioritize mental health, eliminate stigma on college campuses, and honor the late Tyler Hilinski, and those lost to and currently suffering from mental health issues.

A series of educational initiatives will take place from October 1 to October 8.

“We are incredibly honored that over 115 schools nationwide will be participating in this year’s mental health week to fight stigma and increase resources on campuses,” Kym Hilinski, co-founder of Hilinski’s Hope, said in a statement.

“We recognize that in the same way an athlete needs treatment for their physical health, they may also need treatment for their mental health, and we are striving every year to make that help more accessible,” Stags senior quarterback Zach Fogle said in a statement.

CMS athletics has committed to one of the following actions during the week: attaching or showcasing a lime green ribbon on players helmets with a “3” in the middle to honor Tyler; encouraging students, parents, alumni, and fans at upcoming football games to hold three fingers during the first play of the third quarter; and carry out an “internal assessment to evaluate how universities are following best practices in terms of mental health programs” a news release read.

On October 1, the Stags will travel to Ortmeyer Stadium, 1950 Third St., La Verne, to play the University of La Verne at 1 p.m. On October 8, CMS will host Chapman University at the Fritz B. Burns Stadium and John Zinda Field, 639 E. Sixth St., Claremont, with kick off set for 1 p.m.

CMS encourages the community to partake in the awareness week to help reduce the stigma of seeking help for mental health concerns. To learn more or get involved with Hilinski’s Hope Foundation, visit hilinskishope.org/cfb-mental-health-week.