Oregon quarterback Dante Moore writes to governor about mental health access

Dante Moore wrote a March 3 letter to Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek describing past struggles with depression and urging increased access to mental health services; he cited that suicide is the No. 2 cause of death for young adults in Oregon.

Dante Moore, the Oregon Ducks quarterback, wrote a letter to Gov. Tina Kotek on March 3 asking for broader access to mental health services in Oregon. He described struggling with depression early in his college career while his mother underwent cancer treatment. Moore said support from friends, family and mental health resources helped him recover. He also urged teammates to use their platforms to support people who feel voiceless. Key points: - Moore shared the letter with The Oregonian and wrote that he struggled with depression around age 18. - He noted his mother, Jera Bohlen-Moore, was diagnosed with breast cancer during his first season at UCLA and was declared cancer-free in summer 2024. - Moore asked Gov. Tina Kotek for increased access to mental health services in the state and cited statistics on youth suicide in Oregon. - The article reports that last season Moore was Oregon’s starting quarterback and lists his passing and team statistics. Summary: Moore framed his message around personal experience and leadership, noting that support and access to care helped him. Undetermined at this time.