2017 Awareness Day Final Report 2017_ADayFinalReport | Page 3

Few people appreciate the need for a
whole health approach better than an
Olympic athlete. They know a good
performance is only possible when the
mind and body are both in good shape
and working together. Michael Phelps
and Allison Schmitt are two Olympic
athletes who understand the mind-body
connection all too well. The swimmers
have been honest and vocal about their
own experiences with depression and
feelings of isolation, citing each other as
peers who have been essential to their
recovery processes.
Because of their courage to speak out,
Former U.S. Department of Health and
Human Services (HHS) Secretary Thomas
E. Price, M.D., presented Mr. Phelps
and Ms. Schmitt with SAMHSA Special
Recognition Awards for inspiring young
people to seek help. They accepted the
awards in front of a full house at the Jack
Morton Auditorium.
“Being receptive to help has been the most challenging
yet greatest key to excel in this game of life.”
ALLISON SCHMITT
“I was really good at compartmentalizing things and
pushing them down deeper and deeper so I didn’t have
to deal with them … I finally decided I needed help and
that I could not do this alone. Life is tough, and it’s tough
for everyone.”
MICHAEL PHELPS
Former Secretary Price identified childhood obesity and severe mental illness as two
of the top priorities for HHS. During the event, he explained how many Americans have
mental illnesses that go untreated and the importance of helping people understand that
seeking help is a sign of strength.
Honorary Chairperson Michael Phelps Shares Remarks About Children’s Mental Health.
Honorary Chairperson Allison Schmitt Shares Remarks About Children’s Mental Health.
The Awareness Day webcast is available at www.samhsa.gov/children for on-demand viewing.
2017 FINAL REPORT
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