Athletes for Hope Welcomes Dr. Mena Mirhom as Chief Wellbeing Officer, Leading the Whole Being Athlete Mental Health Program
Athletes for Hope (AFH) is proud to announce the appointment of Dr. Mena Mirhom as the organization’s new Chief Wellbeing Officer. In this role, Dr. Mirhom will oversee AFH’s Whole Being Athlete (WBA) mental health program, driving the organization’s mission to destigmatize mental health in the world of athletics and beyond.
Dr. Mirhom is a Columbia-trained, board-certified psychiatrist, currently serving as an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at Columbia University. With extensive experience in adult psychiatry, including training in the Mount Sinai Health System and a fellowship at Columbia University Medical Center, Dr. Mirhom is renowned for his expertise in treating anxiety, depression, OCD, PTSD, substance use, and bipolar disorder. His work as a consultant for the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) has allowed him to support NBA players and staff in navigating mental health challenges, making him uniquely qualified to lead AFH’s mental health efforts.
AFH’s Whole Being Athlete program, launched in 2021, is a key program designed to address the ongoing mental health crisis by empowering athletes of all levels to become advocates for mental wellness. The program focuses on three pillars: Education, Advocacy, and Storytelling. Under Dr. Mirhom’s leadership, WBA will continue to unite athletes to reduce stigma and promote mental health conversations both within and outside the sports world.
“Mena is an exceptional leader who brings a wealth of expertise to our team, and we are thrilled to have him join Athletes for Hope as our Chief Wellbeing Officer,” said AFH CEO Jason Belinkie. “His extensive experience in mental health, particularly in the sports world, will help us expand our work and reach more athletes and individuals. Together, we can make a lasting impact on how mental health is understood and addressed in sports and society as a whole.”
In his role as Chief Wellbeing Officer, Dr. Mirhom will be instrumental in shaping the future of the Whole Being Athlete program, further developing AFH’s unique ability to convene athletes, mental health professionals, and changemakers to foster education and advocacy in the mental health space.
Dr. Mirhom’s appointment marks an exciting new chapter for Athletes for Hope as it continues to lead the conversation on mental health in athletics.