By Bailey Dills ’22, staff writer
The movement to eliminate the stigma surrounding mental health is growing stronger, including here on campus.
Morgan’s Message is at the forefront, illuminating the path toward mental wellbeing for student-athletes. Morgan Rodgers, a Duke University women’s lacrosse player, died by suicide in 2019. This initiative was created by her family and friends to provide a safe place for all those potentially suffering in silence.
More than 227 high schools and collegiate campuses have adopted the education program; LVC is one of them.
“I know this program can really help change lives,” Rachel Perla, LVC women’s lacrosse coach, said.
As a former athlete, Perla understands the true struggles that some athletes endure, and she hopes to normalize these hard conversations. Stressors can feel insurmountable, but groups like Morgan’s Message make mental stability attainable. It’s an important goal for Perla, who is also working towards a master’s degree in mental health counseling.
The student-led organization will meet once a month, and an elected board of directors will receive additional training. Perla is giving young adults at LVC a new, collective voice.
“We want students to feel supported and empowered to take care of themselves,” Perla said, regarding the project’s purpose.
Members, free to simply sit and listen, will learn identification signs, intervention treatments, coping mechanisms and a multitude of new leadership skills.
Although the club is geared toward athletes, anyone is free to join. The ultimate goal is to equalize the gap between physical and mental illness. Together, coaches, teammates and friends will formulate a web of support, sharing similar experiences and thoughts. Nobody is ever alone.
Students can join on Instagram @morgans_message_lvc or contact Coach Perla at perla@lvc.edu. Check out https://morgansmessage.org/ for more information and to read about Morgan’s story.