Event at Hammons Field leverages America's pastime to address men's mental health crisis
Editor's note: If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, you can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or by dialing 988. Burrell Behavioral Health's 24-hour crisis line is available at 1-800-494-7355.
Baseball season may be in full swing but Hammons Field will host a different sort of league April 27 — one dedicated to preventing suicide among men in Springfield.
The Men's Mental Health League hopes to encourage open discussion and practice healthy activities among men. The free event at the ballpark, 955 E. Trafficway St., is part of Burrell Behavioral Health's Be Well Initiative and is open to everyone.
The Men's Mental Health League will open at 8 a.m. and includes speakers in addition to an on-field warm-up lead by Louie, the Springfield Cardinals mascot, as well as raffle prizes and games of catch. Former St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Drew Robinson will speak about his own experience with seeking support for mental health needs after surviving a suicide attempt.
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People can register for the event online at https://burrell.formstack.com/forms/men_s_mental_health_league_registration.
“We wish to build belonging, knowing that wellness requires inclusion,” said Nia Howard, program and engagement leader with Be Well Initiatives, in a press release. “It is through trusting relationships that we build conversations to reduce the stigma related to discussing mental health. Mental health is an important part of our whole health and wellness and we ALL deserve it.”
The Men's Mental Health League is the first event in a series to address and lower the suicide mortality rate in the Springfield area and is funded through a multi-year Community Foundation of the Ozarks grant.
According to a community survey, 53% of Greene County men between the ages of 25 and 65 had suicidal thoughts in the last 12 months. That same percentage of men didn't access mental health services, despite there being times where they needed mental health help.
Susan Szuch reports on health and food for the Springfield News-Leader. Follow her on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @szuchsm. Story idea? Email her at sszuch@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Springfield Men's Mental Health League event aims to open discussion
