Ryan Day explains his decision to make donation to mental health

In 2022, Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day and his wife, Christina, pledged $1 million to fund research and treatment at Ohio State‘s Wexner Medical Center and College of Medicine. Day and Nina recently donated another $1 million to the cause.

The pair have been outspoken about the importance of mental health in the past and created the  Christina and Ryan Day Fund for Pediatric and Adolescent Mental Wellness at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. During an appearance on The Triple Option Podcast, Day discussed his mental health advocacy.

“The mental health thing has always been important to me based on the way that I grew up and some of the things that I experienced growing up,” Day said. “Through Nationwide Children’s and through OSU, I think Columbus is the leader in the country in the mental health space.

“It’s good for Buckeye Nation, for Columbus, for Ohio to see guys who are at the biggest stage, big strong guys who are still willing to say, ‘Hey, man, I’m struggling today. I need a little help.'”

Day understands the dangers of mental health. When Day was nine years old, his father committed suicide. Day has rarely discussed the incident but has admitted that it took him years to understand that his father was dealing with a “sickness” and there are others facing similar issues.

While there might not be a cure for depression like other illnesses, it can be treated. Day does his part in the fight against mental illnesses, providing his players with access to resources for their mental health while encouraging the community to be aware of the issue.

Day believes his attitude toward the issue can positively impact the Ohio State community.

“Columbus and Ohio State is just known for philanthropy and the charities,” Day said. “Whether it’s the cancer research hospital or Children’s Hospital downtown, you just kind of get indoctrinated into that here. I think it’s important, as the head coach, to be a leader in that area and to make sure that we’re doing our part, giving back to all those who do so much for us.

“We have the best families in America, and so we want to make sure we’re giving back. It’s also a great example for our players to see how important it is. Because nowadays, NIL is involved, fans have to travel across the country these playoff games. And so we just want to make sure that they understand how much we appreciate them.”

Fans showed their gratitude for Ryan Day earlier this year after he led Ohio State to its first national title since 2014. The Ohio State faithful donated thousands of dollars to Day’s mental wellness fund in the days following the historic victory.