SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – The Skidmore College women's lacrosse team will host a Lax-4-Life awareness game on Friday, April 14 when the Thoroughbreds host Westfield State University in a non-league game at 6:30 p.m. at Wachenheim Field.
 
Established in 2009, Lax-4-Life is a national lacrosse campaign that provides and supports programs geared toward adolescent and young adult suicide prevention awareness. Since its inception, hundreds of men's and women's lacrosse programs across all three NCAA divisions and high schools around the country have hosted Lax-4-Life awareness games. The organization supports national suicide prevention efforts such as the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, To Write Love on her Arms, Project Semicolon, and many local organizations throughout the country.  
 
"In recent years, mental health awareness has finally gained some traction but there is still more we can do," said Skidmore head coach Elizabeth Ghilardi. "By hosting a mental health awareness game, hopefully we can show those who are faced with mental health challenges, that they are not alone.  
 
"We talk a lot about the importance of balance at the division 3 level, but all too often that is just referring to the balance between athletics and academics.  I want to make sure our student-athletes prioritize themselves, their self-care and their mental health.  It's okay to not be okay and as a team we need to recognize and be ready to support those around us."
 
The Skidmore team and coaching staff will be wearing Lax-4-Life t-shirts during pregame warmups and on the sideline to raise awareness for suicide prevention and to help erase the mental health stigma.
 
For more information on Lax-4-Life, including educational resources, please visit lax-4-life.org.