University of Central Missouri Hosts Groundbreaking Student-Athlete Wellness Event with MADD Sports and NDUR for Athletes
WARRENSBURG, Mo. – The University of Central Missouri (UCM) proudly hosted a transformative new event in partnership with MADD Sports and NDUR for Athletes, designed to empower student-athletes with tools and education on mental health, impaired driving prevention, and substance use awareness. UCM was the first university in the nation to host this groundbreaking event.
This free, data-driven initiative began with an athletics-wide event on Thursday, August 21, at the Jerry M. Hughes Athletics Center, fully funded by UCM's Department of Public Safety through a grant from the Missouri Department of Transportation.
The event brought together student athletes from every UCM sport for an immersive program focused on impaired driving prevention and mental health awareness, two critical issues impacting the well-being and success of collegiate athletes nationwide.
"This isn't just a presentation. It is a full-spectrum experience," said Sgt. Joe Jennings of the UCM Department of Public Safety. "MADD Sports and NDUR for Athletes are talking directly to athletes, as athletes, about the realities they face. Impaired driving and mental health are deeply connected issues, and this program allows us to reach students before problems start, equipping them to succeed on and off their playing surface, in and out of the classroom."
Key features of the August 21 event included:
A focus on the dual approach to alcohol and substance use (under 21 and over 21).
Discussions on how mental health challenges impact decision-making and performance.
Demonstrations using impairment simulation tools.
Mental well-being demonstrations, including mindfulness techniques.
Athlete-led messages on peer leadership and personal accountability.
Opportunities for athletes to become campus advocates through the MADD Sports and NDUR leadership network.
This comes at a critical time:
83 percent of student-athletes report struggles with mental health.
Over 70 percent report alcohol use in the past year, with 51 percent reporting binge drinking.
Impaired driving remains one of the leading causes of death for college-aged individuals, claiming over 1,500 lives annually.
Through this initiative, UCM athletes will also become "Game Changers," taking the lead in promoting responsible behavior, mental wellness, and peer support across campus. By participating in social campaigns and storytelling through digital platforms, they'll help foster a culture of prevention and care.
"We believe student-athletes are powerful influencers on their campuses and in their communities," Stacey Stewart, CEO of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), said. "Together with NDUR and UCM, we are equipping the next generation of leaders to champion mental health, make informed choices, and prevent impaired driving tragedies."
"This partnership is a catalyst for real change," added Darren Orr, President of NDUR and former NHL agent. "We're proud to stand alongside UCM and MADD Sports to create a future where athletes are supported, empowered, and heard."