By Abby Knox, Managing Editor  

Xavier University athletes will soon wear more than the Musketeer logo on their uniforms. 

Xavier’s recent local partnership with 1N5 for mental health awareness is here to further support the mental health of the Xavier community and implement the 1N5 patch on every athlete’s game jersey.  

September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. This partnership occurred during a month devoted to remembering those who have passed away by suicide or who may struggle with suicidal ideation.  

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, one in five U.S. adults experience mental health crises each year. This is the inspiration behind the rebranding of Miller’s foundation, previously named James W. Miller Memorial Fund.  Nancy Eigel-Miller is the founder of the 1N5 organization in memory of her husband, who was a Xavier administrator and sadly passed away in 2008 by suicide. 

The connection between Eigel-Miller and Xavier is much deeper than the 1N5 partnership. Miller worked at Xavier for 25 years. He was a major leader in helping the Gallagher Student Center (GSC) open its doors, which occurred in 2002. He then spent the next six years as both the Director of the GSC and the primary advisor to the Student Government Association (SGA) prior to his death.  

“The organization is a local non-profit with the mission to reduce stigma and to really normalize the conversation around mental health… We hope when people see the patch that they start asking questions,” Eigel-Miller said.  

1N5 is devoted to reducing the stigma around mental health and informing the community about mental health resources. This education occurs in schools, communities and workplaces.  

With Xavier’s core value of cura personalis at the forefront of this partnership, “It aligns perfectly with priorities we have had on this campus for 200 years. It is that notion, that commitment of caring for the entire person: mind, body and spirit.” President Colleen Hancyz said.  

Mental health is often overshadowed by society’s constant demands for work and social obligations. Therefore, the hope is that this partnership reminds the Xavier community of the importance of prioritizing your mental health. When mental health is neglected, it can have detrimental effects on a person’s day-to-day life and lead to other physical illnesses.  

A uniform patch of the 1N5 logo will be on all game uniforms for athletes at Xavier University, but this patch is only the beginning.  

“It will allow the athletes and the students on campus and really the bigger Cincinnati community to really put mental health at the forefront,” Eigel-Miller said.  

Xavier University is the first NCAA Division I institution to partner with a non-profit organization. “It’s the first time any major division 1 university has partnered with a not-for-profit,” Xavier Athletic Director Greg Christoper said. 

When you see the 1N5 patch on our student-athletes’ uniforms, let it be a reminder to take care of your mental health and know that the world is better with you here.