Members have been tasked with developing recommendations and resources to address athlete mental health and well-being.
The United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC) formally announced the formation and membership of an external Mental Health Taskforce to support Team USA athletes and the coaches, officials and administrators who serve them. The taskforce will work to address mental health concerns and promote sustained and holistic well-being.
The 13-member taskforce is comprised of U.S. Olympians, Paralympians, coaches, medical and mental health professionals who are charged with developing best practices, resources, and action plans to support the mental health needs of Team USA athletes. JED’s Chief Medical Officer Victor Schwartz, M.D., was chosen to be a member of this taskforce.
“It is wonderful that the USOPC is looking for ways to enhance their efforts at supporting the mental health of our athletes and the staff working with them,” said Vic. “I’m personally honored to have been invited to support this important effort.” To help athletes and their immediate families cope with the impact of coronavirus (COVID-19), USOPC extended its ComPsych benefits program to all Team USA athletes, which provides unlimited 24/7 access to phone counseling with certified professionals, and other resources such as emotional and wellness support, financial and legal guidance, and more.
For more information about the US Olympic and Paralympic Mental Health Taskforce, visit TeamUSA.org.