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 holding our fourth annual event on May 12th, 2025, in partnership with The Green Bandana Project, Project Safe, 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. At our event on Monday, May 12, student athletes from a variety of metro area schools will participate in preseason softball and baseball scrimmages. Additionally, we will have Gabe Rummel, owner of The Athletes Health, who will deliver a speech to all in attendance about how athletes and teams build confidence and improve performance by learning how to handle pressure, on the field and in life.

Beyond the scrimmages, we offer a variety of interactive activities, including mindfulness sessions for all ages. Our Wellness Resource Area will feature local organizations dedicated to mental health, suicide prevention, substance abuse treatment, eating disorder awareness, and overall wellness. This is a chance for everyone to learn, engage, and connect with the vital resources available in our area.

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, as well as opportunities for future events.

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.

Ivan "Pudge" Rodriguez autograph baseball from Texas Rangers