One thing we can all rally around is the importance of implementing healthy life habits, supporting those around us, and removing the negative connotation surrounding mental health. This is why Strike out the Stigma is broadening our outreach and holding our third annual event to be held May 3rd - 6th, in partnership with The Green Bandana Project, Project Safe, Cedar Rapids Reds, Iowa Big, and Prospect Meadows.

The mission of Strike out the Stigma is to promote mental health awareness in the community. We aim to increase awareness of treatments and services for members of our community, as well as provide materials to school organizations seeking to enhance the mental health clubs and groups within their schools.

Our vision is a community where mental health is understood, respected, and prioritized. We aim to empower individuals and families with the resources to manage their mental well-being, by making known the wide variety of qualified resource providers in the area in one virtual place (www.strikeoutthestigmaiowa.com).

With our vision and mission in mind, we are focused on bringing crucial conversations to the forefront in our community. On Friday, May 3rd, special guest speaker Ben Zobrist, former MLB player and 2-time World Series Champion and founder of Champion Forward, as well as representatives from Foundation 2 will be presenting. These speakers will be delivering powerful and positive messages along with tangible takeaways and resources to participating youth and high school baseball and softball teams, coaches, parents, and community members.

The event on Monday, May 6th starting at 4:00 PM at Prospect Meadows currently features the following area teams playing in preseason scrimmages: City High, Liberty, LinnMar, Benton Community, Center Point-Urbana, Marion, Kennedy, Clear Creek Amana, Prairie, West Delaware, and Xavier.

We encourage you to bring your families, community members, fans, and friends to this very important event on May 6^{th. .}In addition to the scrimmages, we will also have mindfulness activities for all ages and a “Wellness Resource Area” which will feature local agencies and resources on site who will provide additional information on mental health, suicide awareness & prevention, substance abuse, eating disorders, and overall wellness.

This is a unique opportunity to strengthen the mental health approach to our corridor athletic programs. As we strive to help each of our student-athletes prepare for their next chapters, supporting them in this way is invaluable to their overall growth. With community sponsorships, we can create an exciting event for all of our youth, providing engaging speakers for young athletes, parents and students and custom Strike out the Stigma game jerseys.

Through information and conversation, we CAN flip the script and “Strike Out the Stigma”. We look forward to partnering with you to help Strike out the Stigma.

Ben Zobrist Meet and Greet on May 3rd @ 6:00-7:00- Get your picture taken plus autograph signing