PSAB NA: Doctor hopes to harness the power of peer-to-peer storytelling
So you’ve heard about the Pro Sport Advisory Board North America… but who is in it, and what will they do?
We selected seven experts in their field to create the brand new PSAB NA, and to help understand how the collective can make a difference to prevent gambling-related harm across the continent, we continue to profile the individuals who will become the inaugural members of the group; this time looking at one of the key individuals for athlete wellbeing in US soccer.
Dr Samantha Sanderson Brown is a licensed clinical psychologist who serves as the Assistant Medical Director for Player Wellness at the MLSPA. She works closely with other professional sport unions to ensure that current and former MLS players have access to the best resources for optimizing social and emotional well-being.
Dr Brown knows that athletes need support to navigate the complexity of the sports world and not fall into unhealthy patterns. She believes strongly that the qualities that make athletes great can be honed for success beyond the sporting arena and that no one does it alone.
This desire to work collaboratively with other experts was a key driving factor in her decision to accept an invitation to the PSAB NA, as she explains in our latest Q&A…
What made you want to join the PSAB NA?
“Being part of the Advisory Board is important because gambling harm is causing unnecessary challenges for our athletes, and I truly believe in the impact of peer-to-peer storytelling. Supporting a movement that disseminates education about a vulnerable topic in a way that promotes humanness and connection is an honor.”
What are you hoping to bring to (or take from) membership of the board?
“I expect that I will learn quite a bit more than I will contribute to the PSAB NA. The individuals on the advisory board have a wealth of knowledge and lived experience that I know will help me to create a framework and understanding of gambling that will be useful in my daily life.
“While I’m not a gambling specialist, my experience with mental health and cognition in elite athletes will be applicable in this space and I hope to keep them part of the conversation any time it’s appropriate.”
Why is it important that a specific North American board is being created to specifically focus on the niche wagering issues that affect this part of the world?
“Anytime there is an environmental change or a social challenge, it has to be addressed in a way that meets the needs of those who are impacted. This requires a cultural understanding so that the programming and resources that are offered can be the most impactful.
“Having a specific North American board is essential to ensuring athletes who compete on this continent have the best resources for their particular challenges and within the specific laws and regulations they must abide by.”
How important is gambling harm prevention to you and/or your organization?
“As gambling becomes an increasingly normal behavior, gambling harm prevention becomes that much more important. We have to ensure that our athletes understand the risks they are taking and the potential consequences, not only to their careers but to their overall well-being. Keeping athletes informed and healthy are the most important components of gambling harm prevention.”
Remain a regular visitor to our website over the coming weeks, as we will continue to introduce the inaugural members of the PSAB North America.
