UMass Memorial Health-Milford Regional and Whitin Community Center to Host Free “Mental Health Essentials for Coaches” Webinar
During May’s Mental Health Awareness Month, UMass Memorial Health – Milford Regional Medical Center’s Community Benefits Committee and the Whitin Community Center are teaming up to offer “Mental Health Essentials for Coaches,” a free webinar to help youth sports coaches support their athletes’ mental health
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 17, 2026
Contact: Kristy Lee
617-388-5555
Kristy.lee@umassmemorial.org
MILFORD, MA- During May’s Mental Health Awareness Month, UMass Memorial Health – Milford Regional Medical Center’s Community Benefits Committee and the Whitin Community Center are teaming up to offer “Mental Health Essentials for Coaches,” a free webinar to help youth sports coaches support their athletes’ mental health. The webinar will take place on Wednesday, May 13 at 7 pm.
According to the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the number of adolescents reporting poor mental health is on the rise. At the same time, most youth sports coaches are parent volunteers who often have little or no formal training to recognize or support the mental health challenges their players may be facing.
“Mental Health Essentials for Coaches” will be presented by experienced clinicians and educators from the Mental Health Collaborative, a local non-profit that provides mental health programs to schools and communities. The webinar will cover strategies for integrating mental health into team culture, recognizing and responding when athletes need support, and promoting mental wellness on the field or court. Coaches will also learn how to prioritize their own mental health and will receive information about additional local resources. A question-and-answer session will follow the presentation.
The webinar will focus on those who coach elementary and middle school-aged athletes. However, it is open to all who coach youth sports.
“Coaches can be influential role models for so many kids, so we want to provide them the tools to understand, respond to and support their players’ mental health,” said Bert Thurlo-Walsh, MM, RN, CPHQ, chief operating officer at Milford Regional Medical Center and community benefits chair for UMass Memorial Health.
To register for “Mental Health Essentials for Coaches,” visit milfordregional.org and view Classes and Events on the home page and then Webinars. For questions, email Michelle.sanford@umassmemorial.org.
About UMass Memorial Health – Milford Regional Medical Center
UMass Memorial Health - Milford Regional Medical Center is a full-service, regional teaching hospital that serves patients from more than 20 communities in Central Massachusetts. The 148-bed hospital is a nonprofit, acute-care facility where more than 300 primary care and specialty clinicians are relentless in providing exceptional healthcare services to our community with dignity, compassion and respect. Visit www.milfordregional.org to learn more.
About Whitin Community Center
The Whitin Community Center is committed to enhancing the health and well-being of individuals and families and building a strong community in the Blackstone Valley. We offer social, recreational, educational, and outreach programs that bring community members of all ages and backgrounds together. The Whitin Community Center is the Blackstone Valley’s most complete family and recreation center with two swimming pools, a gym, fitness center, early learning programs, summer camps and a seven and a half acre park. For more information call 508-234-8184 or visit www.whitincommunitycenter.com.