Columbus Crew captain Jonathan Mensah speaks on mental health issues

Ghana duo Jonathan Mensah and Harrison Afful were part of the Columbus Crew players who joined Nationwide Children's Hospital during May for the hospital’s "On Our Sleeves" campaign.

It focuses on de-stigmatizing mental health for children and providing resources to educate people on how to help children struggling with mental health problems.

Columbus Crew is auctioning its jerseys worn in the March 1 game against New York City FC, which was the first game to feature the Nationwide Children's logo as the club’s new jersey partner for the 2020 season.

All proceeds from the auctions are going toward funding for behavioral health research and care at the hospital.

Nationwide Insurance is the club’s jersey sponsor and will have its logo on the jersey starting from 2021.

Jonathan who was part of the exercise said "If you don’t reach out, people won’t know what you’re going through," Mensah said.

"You share what you’re going through even if it’s good or bad. You share it so people can actually help or get help for you."