The Boston Red Sox are addressing mental health stigma with “Change Up the Conversation,” a season-long initiative spotlighting six New England nonprofits. Launched this May, the program will feature monthly partnerships, in-park experiences, and social media stories to promote open dialogue. Each organization will be highlighted in this season-long initiative, with youth and staff invited to Fenway Park and their stories shared online.
The six partner organizations — Active Minds, Doc Wayne, KyleCares, OUT MetroWest, Samaritans, and The Jed Foundation — 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
“We are honored to join the Red Sox in our shared commitment to changing mental health norms and ensuring that fans and communities everywhere know that it’s ok to not be ok.
The opportunity to be part of Changeup the Conversation provides us with a valuable platform to grow awareness and to, together, truly champion a new era of mental health.”
– Jessica Mayorga, Chief Marketing Officer, Active Minds
Doc Wayne
“We’re honored to partner with the Red Sox for Change Up the Conversation and to be part of a collective effort to normalize mental health care. At Doc Wayne, we use the power of sport to help young people – and now adults – heal and thrive. Through our therapy services, as well as mental health trainings and workshops for coaches, educators, and youth-serving professionals, we’re expanding access to care and building stronger, more supportive communities. Collaborating with the Red Sox allows us to amplify this work and reach more individuals with the message that it’s okay to ask for help – and that help is here.”
– David Cohen, CEO, Doc Wayne
KyleCares
“The work we do is deeply personal. Every day, we honor the memory of our son Kyle, who died by suicide at the age of 19. Through Change Up the Conversation, the Red Sox are helping us reach teens and young adults who, like Kyle, may be struggling but are too afraid or ashamed to ask for help. When athletes and role models speak openly about mental health, it breaks down stigma, inspires help-seeking, and shows young people they’re not alone. We’re truly grateful to the Red Sox for using their platform to turn heartbreak into hope.”
– Jim Johnson, President, Co-Founder, KyleCares, Inc.
OUT MetroWest
“OUT MetroWest is excited to partner with the Red Sox to bring awareness to the mental health crisis amongst LGBTQ+ youth, particularly transgender youth. Access to vital resources for LGBTQ+ mental health support and suicide prevention are being taken away across the country, and we remain fervent in our mission to build communities where LGBTQ+ youth thrive. We’re grateful to be highlighted as an ongoing resource for trans and queer youth, and to the Red Sox for using their platform to break the silence and stigma about mental health. We hope through our partnership with the Red Sox we can reach the youth who need us most and educate others on how to support the trans and queer youth of today – and tomorrow.”
– OUT MetroWest
Samaritans
“We are honored to be part of the Changeup the Conversation initiative. Nearly 50,000 people die by suicide each year – more than the capacity of Fenway Park. At Samaritans, we have seen firsthand the impact professional athletes and teams can have when they encourage people to use lifesaving mental health services like the ones we provide. We applaud the Red Sox for supporting mental health and wellness as a season-long initiative, and we look forward to expanding our relationship with the team and its fans throughout 2025.”
– Kathleen C. Marchi, Samaritans Chief Executive Officer & President
The Jed Foundation
“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. “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.”
– John MacPhee, CEO, The Jed Foundation (JED)
Led by Red Sox Community Relations, this MLB-supported effort aims to connect fans with local resources and foster a supportive community. Learn more at redsox.com/changeup.
