We Will Welcome Vulnerability and Accountability
8/3/2023 3:07:00 PM | General, Health & Wellness
Dr. Arterburn provides a ‘safe place’ to share sorrows and triumphs
By Jerry HillBaylor Bear Insider
As Baylor Athletics' Director of Mental Health Services, Dr. Don Arterburn has a way about him that "just invites people in and welcomes people."
"Don, you are such a bright light for us," said Trinity Martinez, who works alongside Arterburn as case manager for Mental Health Services. "When there's a student that I can't get a hold of, that the care team can't get in touch with, we say, 'Put Don it!' because he has such a calmness about him . . . where they just all of a sudden can feel vulnerable. They feel like they're in a safe place when they're with Don."
Recognized for the One Standard, One Accord award for welcoming vulnerability and accountability, Don officially joined the Baylor Athletics staff in January of 2022. But he had been serving the department on a part-time basis since 2011 in his role with the Counseling Center.
Kenny Boyd, Executive Senior AD for Student-Athlete Services, said "Dr. A" embodies "what it means to Prepare Champions for Life in how you care and provide support for our student-athletes."
"Whether it's in the dugout or even behind the scenes, just the way that you help our student-athletes feel like they are able to share their story, their concerns, their triumphs, their grief, their sorrows," Boyd said. "I appreciate all that you do for us, and I look forward to the coming year and being able to continue working alongside as we care for our student-athletes."
In Psalms 139:23-24, it says: "Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting."
That verse speaks to the way Don leads his family and the way he counsels and cares for all the student-athletes he sees.
"I can't think of someone more deserving of this award," Martinez said. "I'm so excited for the years to come working with you in athletics mental health services."
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