The Los Angeles Dodgers, Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation (LADF) and L.A. County Department of Mental Health (LACDMH) announced a multi-year partnership that will focus on bringing issues surrounding mental health out of the shadows and into the public through a multi-faceted awareness campaign.
“Sports and the tremendous reach of players and world class teams like the Dodgers provide an audience of potential advocates and ambassadors for the mental health challenges we all face at one time or another,” said Mimi Martinez McKay, deputy director of L.A. County Department of Mental Health.
“This partnership represents a momentous opportunity to support even more Angelenos and their families.”
The “Playing for Keeps” campaign builds on LACDMH efforts across the L.A. region to eliminate the stigma with mental health issues and educate local communities about available resources. It will include annual community days of service, a Mental Health Awareness Night at Dodger Stadium, print and radio promotions and multiple community activations.
“We’re proud to partner with LACDMH on this campaign to help raise awareness for an issue that affects millions of Angelenos,” said Michael Wandell, Dodgers senior vice president of global partnerships.
“With over 4 million fans attending games at Dodger Stadium annually, and the ability to reach millions more on the club’s broadcast and social media channels, we’re proud to use our platform to promote such an important cause.”
Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation CEO Nichol Whiteman added: “The Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation has recently prioritized mental wellness tools and support for youth via our grantmaking and youth programs.”
“So many families in our local communities experience significant levels of trauma and we are thrilled to partner with the LA County Department of Mental Health to raise awareness and address these challenges.”
The Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health is the largest public mental health department in the United States.
Consistent with the mission of County of Los Angeles, the department provides services, including assessments, case management, crisis intervention, medication support, peer support, psychotherapy and other rehabilitative services to the County’s most vulnerable residents.
In addition to the LADF working to educate the community about the importance of positive mental health, they continue to move forward with constructing Dodgers Dreamfields to provide youth with a safe space to participate in sports.
