NFL Pro-Bowler Shawn Andrews of Philadelphia Eagles partners with Active Minds

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MEDIA CONTACT
April 13, 2009
Alison Malmon, Executive Director

alison@activeminds.org

(202) 332-9595 x101

Mental Health Leaders and Celebrities Unite for Active Minds on Campus
Spring Event

Special guests to April 28 event include Rep. Grace Napolitano, Dr. Tom
Insel, Director of National Institute of Mental Health, and Shawn Andrews,
offensive guard for the Philadelphia Eagles
Washington, D.C. (April 13, 2009) - Active Minds, a non-profit organization
that promotes mental health and wellness for college students in North
America, announces that special guests Rep. Grace Napolitano, Dr. Tom Insel,
Director of the National Institute of Mental Health, and Shawn Andrews of
the Philadelphia Eagles have been confirmed to speak at their "Spring
Break-the-Silence" reception and fundraiser to be held on April 28, 2009 in
at the Google Offices in Washington, DC. This five year celebration
highlights the promising programs and impending legislation that support the
mental health of American college students. The Active Minds spring event
coincides with the introduction of Senator Richard Durbin's "Mental Health
on Campus Improvement Act" (S. 682), as well as Active Minds' National
Stress Out Day.
"We are thrilled that these incredible leaders will be joining us for
this celebration of our first five years of monumental work, and honored
that they will be lending their time and voice to our cause" said Active
Minds founder and Executive Director Alison Malmon. "Each of our guests
comes to this cause for a different reason, but all see the importance of
the work Active Minds is doing to effectively support college students in
need."

In 2008, the American College Health Association reported that:
* 46% of the college students surveyed stated that they felt so
depressed it was difficult for them to function.
* 53% of students felt things were hopeless in the past year.
In addition, there are more than 1,100 college student deaths by
suicide every year, making suicide the second leading cause of death for
college students.

"Every once in a while an issue comes along that is too important to
keep quiet about. I'm excited to partner with Active Minds and help in their
efforts to support college student mental health. It is truly an honor to be
their guest at their April Spring Break-the-Silence celebration," said Shawn
Andrews, offensive guard and two-time Pro Bowler for the Philadelphia
Eagles. "It's important to me to lead by example, and what I do off of the
field is just as important as what I do on it. I want to show young adults
that mental illness doesn't have to keep you from realizing your dreams and
that help is out there. "

*Media are invited to attend the event for free, but are required to
pre-register. Please contact Heather Smith at 202-332-9595 x106 or
heather@activeminds.org if you would like to attend.*

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About Active Minds
Active Minds is the only nonprofit organization dedicated to broadcasting
the student voice to educate college students about mental health. On
nearly two hundred campuses, with thousands of student leaders and advocates
working diligently to raise awareness and promote mental health, Active
Minds is reaching students through the implementation of turn-key programs
that decrease stigma, bring about awareness, and ultimately create positive
and accepting environment for the discussion of mental health issues. As
liaisons between their peers and college counseling centers and the mental
health community, Active Minds' student leaders provide information about
available resources on-campus, online and in the community, educate students
about mental health and mental illnesses, host events to raise awareness,
and encourage students to seek help as soon as it is needed. Active Minds
chapters and volunteer student members work to shine a positive light on
mental wellness, and create an accepting environment where each student has
the capabilities and support to thrive.