Red Sox Partner With Local Nonprofits to “Change Up the Conversation” Around Mental Health

Season-Long Program Will Raise Awareness of Community-Based Mental Health Resources;

Program Partners to be Recognized in Pregame Ceremonies on May 7

BOSTON, MA – In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, the Boston Red Sox today announced the launch of Change Up the Conversation, a new season-long initiative that will spotlight six partner nonprofit organizations working to expand mental health support and access across New England. In celebration of the program launch, Change Up the Conversation’s six community-based partners will be recognized in pregame ceremonies on May 7, preceding the 6:45 p.m. Red Sox-Rangers game.

 Each month during the season, the club will spotlight a New England-based mental health nonprofit through in-park experiences and social media storytelling, each centered on a theme such as mental health in sports, stress management, or suicide prevention. Youth and staff from the featured organization will be invited to Fenway Park to watch batting practice, meet Red Sox players, and enjoy a game. Each nonprofit will have a table in the concourse with additional information about their programs. As part of their visit, participants will receive goody bags and “Change Up the Conversation” t-shirts, and their stories will be shared across Red Sox Community Relations social channels to help foster open dialogue and reduce the stigma around emotional well-being.

The six partner organizations each represent a diverse range of approaches to mental wellness, from peer-driven support and LGBTQ+ affirming spaces to sport-based therapy and suicide prevention.

• Active Minds – Mobilizes young adults to speak openly about mental health and create communities of support on campuses and in schools nationwide.
• Doc Wayne – An award-winning nonprofit that uses sport-based therapy to address emotional, behavioral, and trauma-related challenges, with a focus on equitable access to mental health care.
• KyleCares – Encourages open, honest conversations about the mental health struggles facing teens and young adults, with a focus on education, awareness, and suicide prevention programs for high schools and colleges throughout New England.
• OUT MetroWest – Builds supportive communities for LGBTQ+ youth through programs that connect them with peers and affirming adult role models.
• Samaritans – Offers suicide prevention and grief support services across Massachusetts through a 24/7 helpline, community education, and survivor programs.
• The Jed Foundation (JED) is a nonprofit that protects emotional health and prevents suicide for our nation’s teens and young adults. By partnering with high schools, colleges, and school districts to strengthen their mental health, substance misuse, and suicide prevention programs and systems they’re equipping teens and young adults with the skills and knowledge to help themselves and each other. JED  is encouraging community awareness, understanding, and action for young adult mental health.

“JED is proud to partner with a storied franchise like the Boston Red Sox on their ‘Changeup the Conversation’ initiative for Mental Health Awareness Month,” said John MacPhee, JED’s CEO. “More than 30% of young people between the ages of 18 and 25 experienced a mental, behavioral, or emotional health issue during the past year. That number is higher than any other adult age range. By raising awareness about mental health support and resources, together we can save lives, build communities of care, and help young people flourish.”

Changeup the Conversation is led by the Red Sox Community Relations team and builds on Major League Baseball’s broader efforts to promote mental wellness across the league. By connecting fans to local partners and using the team’s platform to elevate real experiences, the program seeks to foster a culture of openness, support, and resilience both inside and outside of Fenway Park. For more information visit redsox.com/changeup.

–RED SOX–

About The Jed Foundation (JED)
JED is a nonprofit that protects emotional health and prevents suicide for our nation’s teens and young adults. We’re partnering with high schools, colleges, and school districts to strengthen their mental health, substance misuse, and suicide prevention programs and systems. We’re equipping teens and young adults with the skills and knowledge to help themselves and each other. We’re encouraging community awareness, understanding, and action for young adult mental health.

Connect with JED: Email | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | TikTok | Snapchat | YouTube

Media Contacts
Justin Barbo
Director, Public Relations
The Jed Foundation
Justin@jedfoundation.org