Blue KC leverages sports partnerships to drive mental health awareness
Heightening awareness and removing the stigma of mental health is an objective of many Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City (Blue KC) initiatives, including our sports partnerships with the Kansas City Royals, the Kansas City Current, and Sporting KC.
During May Mental Health Awareness Month, and as spring and summer play ramps up, look for these sports partnership programs.
Shut Out the Stigma
Blue KC, in partnership with the Kansas City Royals, is working to shut out the stigma surrounding mental health by providing financial support, resources, and tools to Shut Out the Stigma. In a creative approach to investing in local behavioral health nonprofits, Blue KC donates $30 every time a Royals pitcher throws a shutout inning during the 2024 season. Since 2021, we have donated nearly $90,000 to 15 Kansas City nonprofits that focus on mental health through sports and mainly serve teens and adolescents. During the 2024 season watch for these collaborations.
“Not Good Enough” documentary
This award-winning documentary, presented by Blue KC and the Kansas City Royals, challenges parents and coaches to think about how their actions can negatively affect youth athletes’ mental health. Watch it now or catch it on KMBC TV at 3 p.m. May 18.
Open Letters
After speaking with youth athletes in the metro, we put into words what they often are uncomfortable saying about the need to constantly succeed. Read the letters they wrote to parents and use this guide to engage kids in a positive conversation.
Sideline the Stigma
As a founding partner of the KC Current, Blue KC has used this platform to extend its focus on removing the stigma surrounding mental health through Sideline the Stigma and events like Teal Talks on May 21 at CPKC Stadium.
Teal Talks will be held for 50 female soccer players from the Kansas City Public School district and highlight competition, resiliency, and mental health as part of the female athlete experience. It includes a panel presentation by mental health experts and an activity with KC Current players.
