May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and the NCAA recently reached out to institutions that have endeavored to draw attention to the importance of mental wellness and provide resources to those who might be struggling. Chico State's Scratch the Stigma campaign, championed by the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and spearheaded by Nadia Torkman, is at the top of the list.

The campaign uses a series of posters with QR codes that send people to a webpage providing information on resources available on and off campus to Chico State students.

"I wanted to show that mental wellness is just as important as one's physical health, if not more," said Torkman. "The campaign was very well received. I think it was a catalyst for the athletic department to increase awareness and conversation surrounding mental health and well-being."

Torkman is currently pursuing her master's degree in public administration and working as the Athletic Department's Leadership and Engagement Graduate Intern.

Across the country NCAA student-athletes, schools and conferences are creating initiatives and providing resources dedicated to improving and maintaining mental health in student-athletes. The Scratch the Stigma resource page, a link to listen to Torkman's recent interview on "Chat with a 'Cat," and links to some of the other initiatives are available via the link above right.