On May 5, 2025, in recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, the Boston Red Sox announced the launch of Changeup the Conversation, a new season-long initiative that will spotlight Samaritans and five other nonprofit organizations working to expand mental health support and access across New England.
“We are honored to be part of the Changeup the Conversation initiative,” said Kathleen C. Marchi, Samaritans Chief Executive Officer & President. “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.”
Each month during the 2025 season, the Red Sox will spotlight a New England-based mental health nonprofit through in-park experiences and social media storytelling. In addition to Samaritans, the club has partnered with Active Minds, Doc Wayne, KyleCares, OUT MetroWest, and The Jed Foundation.
Prior to the Red Sox’ May 7 game against the Texas Rangers, Senior Director of Crisis Services Kristen Ulrich, LICSW represented Samaritans on the field during pregame ceremonies, along with individuals from the five other nonprofit organizations. During that night’s game, Samaritans Chief Clinical Officer Kacy Maitland, LICSW spoke with WEEI broadcasters Will Flemming and Lenny DiNardo about a variety of topics related to mental health and suicide, including Red Sox player Jarren Duran’s personal struggles and courage.
“I think [Jarren] put light on the dichotomy of life, which is that people can be great and achieve really amazing things, and also struggle at the same time, and that it’s okay to ask for help,” Maitland said on the radio broadcast. “Those two things can happen and be true at the same time.”
“It’s not that [Jarren’s] story is more important than anybody else’s, but of course as a public figure it’s going to get a lot of attention,” Maitland added. “It’s been beautiful the way it’s been handled. I feel like anyone walking into [Fenway Park] today knows it’s okay to have mental health struggles because that story was validated and it was brought to light, and it was upheld and lifted and supported.”
Representatives from Samaritans will return to Fenway Park in September to educate fans about the organization’s programs. In addition, Samaritans staff will be invited to watch batting practice, meet Red Sox players, and enjoy a game. The Red Sox Community Relations department will share stories across its social media channels to help foster open dialogue and reduce the stigma around emotional well-being.
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.
