LEXINGTON, Ky. (Oct. 30, 2026) — The University of Kentucky College of Social Work (CoSW) will host a screening of The Quell Foundation’s documentary, “Human First: Beyond the Athlete,” bringing together members of the university and Lexington communities for a conversation about mental health, identity and the challenges athletes face both in and beyond sport.
The event will take place Tuesday, Nov. 10, at Worsham Cinema in the UK Gatton Student Center. Doors will open at 4 p.m. ET for hors d’oeuvres and networking, followed by the documentary screening at 4:45 p.m. and panel discussion at 5:45 p.m.
The documentary features current and former athletes sharing their personal mental health journeys, offering an inside look at the challenges that arise when life and sport become intertwined. Through their experiences, the film explores the importance of recognizing athletes as individuals beyond their performance and creating environments where conversations about mental health are encouraged and supported.
The event is co-sponsored by the College’s International Institute for Sport and Behavioral Health (IISBH) and Sport Social Work Research Lab (SSW-RL), reflecting the College’s continued investment in advancing athlete well-being through research, education and practice.
Following the screening, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in a panel discussion featuring sport mental health advocates and experts. The conversation will explore themes of mental health, identity and resilience, with an emphasis on reducing stigma and strengthening the support systems available to athletes.
A virtual attendance option will also be available via Zoom. Those interested in attending virtually should indicate their preference on the registration form to receive access information.
The event is open to members of the University of Kentucky and Lexington communities. Register here.
Content Advisory: The documentary and panel discussion include sensitive topics related to mental health, suicidality and serious mental health challenges. Attendees are encouraged to prioritize their well-being and participate in whatever way feels most comfortable.
For questions about the event, contact Kayla Powell at kayla.powell@uky.edu.