CareSource Invitational Brings UGA and GSU Together to Spotlight Youth Mental Health Through Basketball

CareSource, a nonprofit, mission-driven managed care organization, brought together Georgia State University (GSU) and the University of Georgia (UGA) men’s basketball teams for the CareSource Invitational, an exhibition game dedicated to raising awareness for adolescent and young adult mental health.

Focused on the powerful message, “it's OK to not be OK,” the games aimed to normalize mental health conversations and help to create safe, supportive environments where young people feel empowered to seek help and thrive.

As part of its ongoing commitment to mental health advocacy, CareSource also presented $25,000 donations to both the Georgia Parent Support Network and the Georgia Consumer Mental Health Network during halftime. The funds will support programs that provide mental health resources and services to Georgia’s youth and young adults.

Young people in Georgia are facing a mounting mental health crisis. In a report released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in 2023, 42% of high school students said they felt so sad or hopeless that they stopped doing their usual activities. Nearly 29% reported experiencing poor mental health, and 22% said they had seriously considered attempting suicide within the past year.

Additional research indicates Georgia’s youth are struggling with self-image, relationships and loneliness, with barriers like cost and access to care standing keeping them from getting the help they need.

“CareSource is committed to improving the physical, emotional and mental well-being of members at every stage of life,” said Jason Bearden, market president, CareSource Georgia. “The CareSource Invitational reflects that mission by giving young people the tools, resources and encouragement they need to break the stigma and prioritize their mental health.”

Ahead of the game, 50 students from Frederick Douglass High School participated in a Game Day Experience led by GSU Coach Jonas Hayes, UGA Coach Mike White and Brandon Saho, mental health advocate and founder of The Mental Game. Students joined players on the court for skills challenges, a Q&A session with coaches and an interactive mental health presentation with Brandon Saho.

“This event was about more than basketball,” said GSU Coach Jonas Hayes. “It was about bringing together students, coaches and players to have honest conversations about real challenges. We want young people to feel supported and confident to talk about the challenges they face.”

“Mental health is just as important as physical health, and by creating a space where students feel safe to share and listen, we can remind them that it’s truly OK to not be OK,” said UGA Coach Mike White. “Experiences like this show students that there are resources and guidance available to them.”

The CareSource Invitational is part of a national series of college basketball exhibition games dedicated to raising awareness for adolescent and young adult mental health.