PEORIA, IL – Bradley University Athletics and its multimedia rights holder, Bradley Sports Properties, announced today a new relationship between the Braves and UnityPoint Health-UnityPlace.
The partnership marks the first-of-its-kind for the University and the new non-profit organization, making UnityPoint Health-Unity Place the “Official Behavioral Health Provider of Bradley Athletics.” Notably, UnityPlace will provide valuable emotional and mental health services for the University’s student-athletes.
UnityPoint Health-UnityPlace is dedicated to meeting the wellness needs of Central Illinois. Offering the most-comprehensive addiction and mental health services in the region, UnityPlace was formed in 2019 by joining the collective strengths of UnityPoint Health®, Human Service Center, and Tazwood Center for Wellness.
“It’s important to bring attention to the mental health concerns that are too commonly experienced by college students today. Awareness of mental health risk factors and information on how to access help are of upmost importance. We are proud to join Bradley Athletics in this initiative to support positive emotional well-being and make strides to decrease the stigma associated with mental health,” said Dr. Ted Bender, UnityPlace President.
“The mental and physical well-being of our Bradley University student-athletes always is our No. 1 priority as we provide them the best opportunities to excel in competition, in the classroom and in the community, and this partnership with UnityPoint Health-UnityPlace is another important step to providing our student-athletes those opportunities,” said Dr. Chris Reynolds, Bradley Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics. “Our Central Illinois community is fortunate to have a provider who offers such specialized mental-health services and we are proud to partner with UnityPoint Health-UnityPlace for this vital resource.”
About UnityPoint Health-UnityPlace
UnityPoint Health – UnityPlace is proud to offer the most-comprehensive addiction and mental health services in Central Illinois. UnityPlace was formed in April 2019 through the joining of UnityPoint Health®, Human Service Center and Tazwood Center for Wellness. UnityPlace is a non-profit organization dedicated to meeting the growing behavioral healthcare needs of the community with a mission of delivering a comprehensive, integrated community and medical-based healthcare system to optimize well-being. Its compassionate and committed treatment team is comprised of many experts in psychiatry and addiction medicine who are ready to support the Central Illinois community through evidence-based programs to meet people’s physical, emotional and mental health needs.
About Bradley Sports Properties
Bradley Sports Properties is the local Learfield IMG College team dedicated to working alongside the Braves as Bradley Athletics’ multimedia rightsholder. Learfield IMG College is the leading media and technology services company in intercollegiate athletics. The company unlocks the value of college sports for brands and fans through an omnichannel platform with innovative content and commerce solutions for fan engagement. Its suite of services includes licensing and multimedia sponsorship management; publishing, audio, digital and social media; data analytics; ticketing, ticket sales and professional concessions expertise; branding; campus-wide business and sponsorship development; and venue technology systems. Headquartered in Plano, Texas, the company has long had the privilege of being an advocate for intercollegiate athletics and the student-athlete experience. Since 2008, it has served as title sponsor for the acclaimed Learfield IMG College Directors’ Cup, supporting athletic departments across all divisions.