Medaille College is excited to welcome Buffalo Bills Safety & All-Pro Jordan Poyer to its Buffalo campus on Thursday, May 26, for an exclusive event focused on mental wellness and recovery from addiction.

Serving as the keynote speaker for the presentation, “It’s OK to Ask for Help,” Poyer will talk about his two-year journey of recovery after struggling with alcohol addiction before he decided to quit drinking on March 13, 2020. The Buffalo Bills captain hopes that by being open about his process and how he was able to overcome his addiction, he will inspire others who may be struggling. During the presentation, he will share what he has learned in his own journey and how he was inspired to use his platform as a professional football player to positively impact as many people as possible.

Poyer will be joined by other panelists from Medaille’s clinical mental health counseling program, who will provide insight on the topic and advice for those who may be struggling to ask for help. The presentation will be followed by a question and answer session, where audience members will have an opportunity to ask Poyer questions relating to the topic.

Erie County Department of Health Director of Health Equity Kelly Wofford will also serve as a guest speaker at the event, focusing on how we can come together to help eliminate significant race-based health disparities by focusing on education, advocacy, access and support for the social determinants of health. Wofford is also the founder and principal of Front Seat Life, LLC, an organization dedicated to eliminating barriers to mental health and wellness. Through her work, she elevates the importance of mental health care access and reducing the stigmas related to seeking support, especially in BIPOC communities.

Evening Itinerary:

5:30 – 6 p.m.: Welcome Reception With Light Refreshments
6 – 7 p.m.: Panel Presentation With Keynote Address From Jordan Poyer
7 – 7:30 p.m.: Q&A Session With Audience

This free event is brought to you by Medaille College’s clinical mental health counseling program and its chapter of the Chi Sigma Iota (CSI) Honor Society.

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health or addiction, 24-hour assistance is available by calling the Erie County Addiction Hotline at 716-831-7007 or Crisis Services at 716-834-3131.

About Jordan Poyer:

Jordan Poyer is an All-Pro American football strong safety for the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League. He played college football for Oregon State University, where he was named a consensus All-American. Poyer was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the 2013 NFL Draft and has also played for the Cleveland Browns.

Football, family and philanthropy. Jordan Poyer is a playmaker and captain on Sundays, a father and husband to his family, and a philanthropist in more ways than one. Jordan strives to be the best person he can be on and off the field. To learn more about Jordan Poyer, visit jpoyer.com.

It’s OK to Ask for Help, a Presentation Featuring Jordan Poyer