University of Georgia Athletics Enhances Mental Health Emergency Action Plans

Dr. Dylan Firsick, UGAAA's Director of Mental Health and Performance, co-authored a consensus statement published by NATA aimed at equipping athletic trainers, team physicians, and mental health professionals with updated guidance for addressing mental health emergencies. This marks the first major update to guidelines since 2013.

Tim Neal, a certified athletic trainer, NATA Hall of Fame member, and licensed social worker, served as the lead author. He has collaborated with the UGAAA Mental Health and Performance team in crafting thorough recommendations for mental health emergencies.

Dr. Firsick expressed gratitude for Neal and the other contributors, stating that mental health emergency response is a recurring topic in the sports medicine and mental health departments at UGA. He noted that many existing UGA policies align with the consensus statement’s recommendations.

The new guidelines emphasize the creation of a mental health emergency action plan, modeled after UGAAA's current medical emergency action plan. These guidelines assist medical professionals in identifying and addressing psychological concerns among collegiate athletes, detailing factors that may adversely affect their mental health, and offering assessment strategies and referral plans for those in need.

As National Suicide Prevention Month is recognized in September, Dr. Firsick and the UGAAA Mental Health and Performance team—including Charlotte Warren, Dr. Brad Hambric, and Dr. Jenna Tomalski—underscored the importance of effective responses to mental health crises. On October 3rd, Georgia football players will participate in Student Athlete Mental Health Week, organized by the Hilinski's Hope Foundation, by wearing 'Mental Health Matters' shirts during pregame warmups before the game against Vanderbilt. Additionally, UGAAA Sports Medicine professionals will engage in national awareness initiatives and promote open dialogues about mental health.

During the 2025-26 athletic season, Dr. Firsick spoke with senior tight end Lawson Luckie and fifth-year inside linebacker Terrell Foster about resilience, mental toughness, and the significance of discussing mental health while encouraging student-athletes to utilize available mental health resources.

For more details on Dr. Firsick’s initiatives and the UGAAA's mental health emergency plans, refer to the full consensus statement in the latest issue of the National Athletic Trainers' Association Journal of Athletic Training. For information about Student Athlete Mental Health Week, visit HilinskisHope.org.