Earlier today, the Atlanta Hawks and Silence the Shame, Inc. hosted a Youth Mental Wellness COPE (Community Outreach and Practice Effort) Clinic as part of Mental Health Awareness Month. One hundred youth came together for a series of wellness activities that taught youth how to normalize mental wellness conversations and erase the stigma around mental health challenges. 

Facilitated by Silence the Shame, Inc. (STS), a non-profit organization committed to improving suicide rates among vulnerable populations, the clinic aimed to increase mental health literacy and access to behavioral health services, support positive youth development for at-risk youth and increase community engagement in supporting youth resiliency and social connectedness. The clinic also featured a fireside chat moderated by Silence the Shame Founder and CEO Shanti Das and RIAA Platinum recording artist Mooski as a panelist. Mooski shared stories about past traumas and depression, joining the U.S. Marines Corps before becoming an artist and how faith and music helps him maintain mental wellness. 

Various wellness activity stations included a jump rope and hula-hoop station, basketball free throw station, yoga station, dance choreography with the ATL Hawks Dancers and more. Youth also participated in breakout sessions and heard from Rapper and Songwriter Kai Ca$h and other special guests share tips for maintaining wellness.

“We are proud to continue conversations surrounding mental health with Silence the Shame for the Youth Mental Wellness COPE Clinic,” said Hawks’ Vice President of Corporate Social Responsibility Andrea Carter. “Through our ongoing collaborative efforts, we hope young people will help themselves, support others and make healthy decisions.” 

In March, the Hawks and Silence the Shame announced a multi-initiative collaborative campaign dedicated to eliminating mental health stigma and reducing health disparities. To tip off this initiative, Hawks All-Star guard Trae Young and five-time GRAMMY® Award-nominated singer-songwriter Chlöe participated in a Teen Mental Wellness Courtside Chat and discussed their experiences with mental health and wellness.