Sports Philanthropy Interview-Super Bowl 59-RR-Rawle Andrews Jr.
Rawle Andrews Jr., Executive Director of the American Psychiatric Association Foundation (APAF), joined Roy Kessel and Sports Philanthropy Network on Radio Row at Super Bowl. Rawle shared insights into the importance of mental health awareness in sports, the Notice. Talk. Act. initiative designed to help athletes recognize and address mental health challenges, and how the APAF is working with retired athletes and organizations to break the stigma surrounding mental health in sports.
Rawle Andrews Jr.
Rawle Andrews Jr. is a distinguished mental health advocate and the Executive Director of the American Psychiatric Association Foundation (APAF), the charitable arm of the American Psychiatric Association (APA). With a career spanning law, nonprofit leadership, and mental health policy, he has been instrumental in advancing initiatives that integrate mental well-being into all aspects of daily life. Under his leadership, APAF has expanded its outreach to athletes, educators, corporate professionals, and community leaders, ensuring that mental health is prioritized alongside physical health.
At APAF, Andrews has spearheaded programs such as Notice. Talk. Act., a groundbreaking initiative designed to help non-clinicians identify signs of mental distress, engage in supportive conversations, and take meaningful action. Through collaborations with athletes, entertainers, and community advocates, he aims to create an environment where seeking help for mental health challenges is normalized. He has also worked closely with organizations like Athletes for Hope and The Defensive Line to ensure that retired and current athletes have access to mental health support systems.
Beyond advocacy, Andrews has played a pivotal role in digitizing mental health care, expanding telehealth services to make psychiatric support more accessible. His commitment to breaking the stigma surrounding mental health, particularly in high-pressure environments such as professional sports, has positioned APAF as a leader in mental health awareness and education. Through his efforts, he continues to champion the message that self-care is essential for long-term well-being and that mental health care should be as routine as physical fitness.
American Psychiatric Association Foundation
The American Psychiatric Association Foundation (APAF) is the charitable arm of the American Psychiatric Association (APA), the world’s largest psychiatric medical society. APAF is dedicated to advancing mental health awareness, research, and advocacy across diverse communities. Its mission is to integrate mental health into every aspect of daily life, whether in schools, workplaces, places of worship, or sports environments.
One of APAF’s key initiatives is Notice. Talk. Act., a program designed to help non-clinicians recognize signs of mental health distress and respond appropriately. This approach is particularly vital in sports, where the stigma surrounding mental health has historically prevented athletes from seeking help. Through partnerships with organizations like Athletes for Hope and The Defensive Line, APAF is working to break down these barriers and provide the necessary resources to support athletes’ mental well-being.
In addition to advocacy, APAF is leading efforts to digitize mental health care, making support more accessible through telehealth services and online tools. The foundation recognizes that many individuals, including athletes, may be hesitant to seek help in traditional clinical settings. By creating user-friendly mental health platforms, APAF ensures that individuals can access support in a comfortable and confidential environment, ultimately helping more people lead whole and healthy lives.
WATCH INTERVIEW
0:00 – Rawle Andrews Jr. joins Roy Kessel at Radio Row to discuss the American Psychiatric Association Foundation (APAF) and its mission to promote mental health in sports.
0:27 – He explains how APAF is the charitable arm of the American Psychiatric Association (APA), the world’s largest psychiatric medical society.
1:06 – The foundation’s mission is to promote mental well-being in communities where people live, learn, work, worship, and play, with a special focus on athletes.
1:37 – Andrews introduces Notice. Talk. Act., an initiative helping coaches, teammates, and mentors recognize mental health struggles and provide support.
2:30 – He highlights the challenge of overcoming mental health stigma in men’s sports, where athletes often fear being perceived as weak if they seek help.
3:08 – APAF launched Mental Health Care Works, which reached nearly half a billion people in its first year, raising awareness about mental health resources.
3:50 – The foundation collaborates with organizations like The Defensive Line and Athletes for Hope, founded by Muhammad Ali, Andre Agassi, and others, to engage athletes in advocacy.
4:46 – Andrews emphasizes that self-care is not selfish, a message also relevant for military personnel and first responders who often neglect their mental health.
5:55 – APAF is expanding telehealth services, allowing athletes and others to receive mental health support remotely, reducing barriers to care.
7:06 – He stresses the importance of training athletes in mental resilience, just like they train for physical strength, to ensure long-term well-being beyond their playing careers.
