CareSource Invitational Pep Rally Brings Mental Health Awareness to 1,200 Cincinnati Students

CINCINNATI, Ohio (Oct. 6, 2026) - CareSource, a nonprofit managed care organization, gathered 1,200 students at Walnut Hills High School today to encourage students to prioritize their mental health and reinforce a simple but important message: it's OK to not be OK. The pep rally was part of the CareSource Invitationals, a series of college basketball events dedicated to raising awareness of adolescent and young adult mental health and suicide prevention.

Throughout the event, students participated in activities with University of Cincinnati men's basketball head coach Jerrod Calhoun, Xavier University men's basketball head coach Richard Pitino and members of both teams, learned about mental health resources and strategies, and heard from speakers about resilience, support and the importance of asking for help when needed.

"We know whole-person health includes mental health, and we want every young person to know that it's OK to not be OK," said Dee Yocum, vice president of Ohio operations for CareSource. "We're proud to bring our community together through the CareSource Invitationals to create space for honest conversations, connect students with support and remind them they never have to face challenges alone."

Ahead of the upcoming CareSource Invitational doubleheader, coaches Calhoun and Pitino spoke with students about the importance of resilience, teamwork and reaching out when they need support.

"An exhibition game is a great opportunity to bring people together, but it means even more when we can use it to share a positive message beyond the court. Sports give us a platform to connect with young people, encourage them to look out for one another and remind them that support is available," said Jerrod Calhoun, head men's basketball coach at the University of Cincinnati.

"Events like the CareSource Invitationals show what's possible when sports and mental health awareness come together. We're excited for tomorrow's game and the opportunity to share that experience with the Cincinnati community, especially in such a unique setting," said Richard Pitino, head men's basketball coach at Xavier University.

The program also included check presentations from the CareSource Foundation to Walnut Hills High School in support of student well-being and mental health initiatives.

Since launching in 2023, the CareSource Invitationals have engaged thousands of students and college basketball fans through games, pep rallies and community events designed to spark meaningful conversations about mental health.

Those struggling or in crisis are encouraged to call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, where help is available 24/7.

About the CareSource Invitationals

The CareSource Invitationals are a series of college basketball games focused on raising awareness and funds for adolescent and young adult mental health, with an emphasis on suicide prevention. Launched in 2023, these events are part of CareSource's commitment to addressing whole-person health in communities through physical engagement and mental health support. Invitationals have engaged more than 10,000 high school students and reached over 100,000 college basketball fans nationwide.