WARRENSBURG, Mo. – The University of Central Missouri (UCM) proudly hosted a transformative new event in partnership with MADD Sports and NDUR for Athletes, designed to empower student-athletes with tools and education on mental health, impaired driving prevention, and substance use awareness. UCM was the first university in the nation to host this groundbreaking event.

This free, data-driven initiative began with an athletics-wide event on Thursday, August 21, at the Jerry M. Hughes Athletics Center, fully funded by UCM's Department of Public Safety through a grant from the Missouri Department of Transportation.

The event brought together student athletes from every UCM sport for an immersive program focused on impaired driving prevention and mental health awareness, two critical issues impacting the well-being and success of collegiate athletes nationwide.

"This isn't just a presentation. It is a full-spectrum experience," said Sgt. Joe Jennings of the UCM Department of Public Safety. "MADD Sports and NDUR for Athletes are talking directly to athletes, as athletes, about the realities they face. Impaired driving and mental health are deeply connected issues, and this program allows us to reach students before problems start, equipping them to succeed on and off their playing surface, in and out of the classroom."

Key features of the August 21 event included:

• A focus on the dual approach to alcohol and substance use (under 21 and over 21).
• Discussions on how mental health challenges impact decision-making and performance.
• Demonstrations using impairment simulation tools.
• Mental well-being demonstrations, including mindfulness techniques.
• Athlete-led messages on peer leadership and personal accountability.
• Opportunities for athletes to become campus advocates through the MADD Sports and NDUR leadership network.

This comes at a critical time:

• 83 percent of student-athletes report struggles with mental health.
• Over 70 percent report alcohol use in the past year, with 51 percent reporting binge drinking.
• Impaired driving remains one of the leading causes of death for college-aged individuals, claiming over 1,500 lives annually.

Through this initiative, UCM athletes will also become "Game Changers," taking the lead in promoting responsible behavior, mental wellness, and peer support across campus. By participating in social campaigns and storytelling through digital platforms, they'll help foster a culture of prevention and care.

"We believe student-athletes are powerful influencers on their campuses and in their communities," Stacey Stewart, CEO of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), said. "Together with NDUR and UCM, we are equipping the next generation of leaders to champion mental health, make informed choices, and prevent impaired driving tragedies."

"This partnership is a catalyst for real change," added Darren Orr, President of NDUR and former NHL agent. "We're proud to stand alongside UCM and MADD Sports to create a future where athletes are supported, empowered, and heard."

About the University of Central Missouri
The University of Central Missouri is a public institution founded in 1871 and located in Warrensburg, Missouri. UCM is committed to academic excellence, leadership development, and student success. Utilizing efforts such as athletics and community engagement, UCM continues to foster a culture of growth, safety, and service. UCM's Department of Public Safety is dedicated to providing safe and engaging opportunities that promote impaired driving prevention and mental health awareness, while protecting, empowering, and serving the university community with integrity and respect to ensure a supportive and secure campus environment.

About MADD Sports
MADD Sports is an initiative of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) that partners with sports organizations to engage athletes in impaired driving prevention and mental health advocacy. MADD Sports aims to empower student-athletes to serve as role models, utilizing their platforms to promote healthy and responsible choices and foster safer communities. 

Please visit www.madd.org/maddsports for more information about MADD Sports.

About MADD Sports and NDUR for Athletes
MADD Sports is a national initiative of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), focused on impaired driving prevention and mental health advocacy. NDUR for Athletes is the leader in holistic mental health and wellness support for high school and college student athletes. 

In a strategic partnership with NDUR for Athletes, the program engages student-athletes, amplifying their voices to champion safe and healthy choices on and off the field. By combining NDUR's tech and leadership training with MADD Sports' national reach, we're creating a powerful model for athlete-led advocacy—grounded in lived experience, driven by resilience, and designed for long-term sustainability.
 
Learn more at: www.madd.org/maddsports and www.ndurforathletes.health

About MADD 
Mothers Against Drunk Driving® (MADD) is a national nonprofit leading the movement to end impaired driving for good. Since 1980, MADD has helped reduce drunk driving deaths in America by nearly 40 percent, saved more than 475,000 lives, and served more than one million victims and survivors. The organization is committed to leading prevention efforts with young adults, collaborating with law enforcement to keep our roads safe from impaired drivers, as well as advocating for stricter sentencing and stronger laws, including the HALT Drunk Driving Law that mandates anti-drunk driving technology in every new car. MADD continues to provide support services to victims and survivors of impaired driving at no charge through victim advocates and the 24-Hour Victim Help Line 1-877-MADD-HELP. For more information or to donate, visit https://madd.org/ and follow MADD on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, LinkedIn, and YouTube.