SAN DIEGO – Hilinski's Hope Foundation (H3H), founded by Mark and Kym Hilinski to honor the legacy of their son Tyler, today announced the University of San Diego will be participating in the second annual College Football Mental Health Week. The week will focus on a series of mental health initiatives, beginning October 2, which will honor Tyler, those lost, and those suffering, and will culminate on October 9.

The University of San Diego joins more than 50 colleges and universities nationwide participating in Mental Health Week.

"I am excited that we have partnered with Hilinski's Hope, and many other schools, to participate in College Football Mental Health Week beginning October 2," USD Associate Vice President / Director of Athletics Bill McGillis said. "Our Pioneer Football League opener vs. Saint Thomas University on Saturday, as well as other activities in the coming week, provide us a platform to educate, to raise awareness of the challenges associated with mental illness, to de-stigmatize mental illness and to support our scholar-athletes.  Strengthening the mental health of every Torero scholar-athlete is fundamental to our core values and our desire to provide an extraordinary experience for every young woman and man who enrolls at the University of San Diego."

"We are so honored that more than 50 schools nationwide will be participating in this year's mental health awareness week," said Mark Hilinski. "This year, more than ever, student-athlete mental health has been in the spotlight and while conversation around mental illness can be tough and even at times uncomfortable, it is absolutely critical for the overall health and well-being of our student-athletes. Throughout the last year, we've continued to see support from schools, fans, students and parents as they join us in the fight against mental illness and that is a major piece of the puzzle that will help destigmatize mental illness and increase mental health resources. We miss Tyler every single day, but we are grateful to know that what we are doing is making a difference and that he would be proud of us."

About Hilinski's Hope:
H3H helps colleges and universities save lives, eliminate stigma, and scale mental wellness programs for student athletes. H3H does this by sharing Tyler's story, connecting students with mental health resources, and assisting universities to institutionalize best practices. To learn more about H3H please visit www.hilinskishope.org