Valvoline Partners with Athletes to Promote Mental Health Awareness During Suicide Prevention Month

Valvoline Champions Mental Health Awareness Through Strategic Partnerships

Valvoline Inc., a prominent figure in preventive automotive maintenance, is making significant strides in mental health awareness through a new partnership with student athletes from Ohio State University and the University of Tennessee. This initiative coincides with Suicide Prevention Month and is centered around the theme "Protect What Matters." Laura Carpenter, Valvoline’s Chief Customer Officer, emphasizes the dual importance of vehicle maintenance and mental health, pointing out that the company is committed to addressing this pressing issue. This partnership not only raises awareness but also aligns with the company’s values of community support and responsibility.

The chosen athletes—Carnell Tate, Karlyn Pickens, and Cade Phillips—are set to share mental health tips on social media platforms. Valvoline incentivizes engagement by pledging to donate $1 to Nationwide Children's Hospital and East Tennessee Children's Hospital for every social media share of the athletes' posts, up to a maximum of $5,000 for each hospital. This fundraising effort is particularly relevant, as data from the CDC reveals that men in the auto repair and maintenance industry face a suicide rate that is double that of other sectors. Through this initiative, Valvoline aims to not only foster a conversation around mental health but also actively contribute to supporting healthcare facilities that specialize in mental health services.

Valvoline's commitment to mental health extends beyond this recent campaign; earlier this year, the company collaborated with KVC Behavioral Healthcare Kentucky to provide specialized training for clinicians focused on suicide prevention. This proactive approach highlights Valvoline's dedication to reducing the stigma surrounding mental health issues and improving overall outcomes for individuals in need. With over 11,000 employees and more than 2,100 service centers operating in the U.S. and Canada, Valvoline showcases its dual focus on automotive care and community wellbeing, paving the way for future partnerships aimed at promoting mental health awareness.

In addition to its mental health initiatives, Valvoline continues to expand its operational footprint, performing over 28 million services annually across its service centers. The collaboration with college athletes is facilitated by Learfield's corporate development team, working alongside Ohio State Sports Properties and The Vol Network. As Valvoline looks ahead, the company is poised to announce further partnerships dedicated to mental health, reinforcing its mission to protect both vehicles and the wellbeing of the community at large.