March 17, 2023 – United Soccer League Championship (USL) – Sacramento Republic FC News Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Sacramento Republic FC and Western Health Advantage, joined by non-profit partner WellSpace Health, take another bold step in prioritizing community health by utilizing the reach of sports marketing for good. Beginning this weekend, Republic FC’s first team and academy jerseys will feature a patch on the right sleeve promoting 988 – the national Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
The first of its kind partnership is designed to bring awareness to suicide and mental health concerns and crisis, provide resources for those in need – for people in distress or their loved ones looking for help, and continue to elevate conversations about community wellness.
Republic FC and its partners will create an important conversation point that can help save lives when the 988 patch is seen weekly in every community where the team takes the field, nationally as broadcasters talk about the importance of the crisis line when they see the patch, and every time a fan wears the jersey regardless of the city.
According to the CDC, suicide is the second-leading cause of death among young people, and, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, was the tenth-leading cause of death in the nation. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) reports that for every one person who dies by suicide annually, 316 people seriously consider suicide, but do not kill themselves. Since its founding as a 1-800 number in 2005, the national lifeline has received over 20 million calls from people in distress looking for support. Now, 988 supports callers, chats and text messages, with help available within 45 seconds. The Lifeline can be used by anyone – those in crisis or those who care for someone in need – and for mental health concerns, not just suicide.
“A big shoutout to the Sacramento Republic FC for raising awareness about 988 – the National Suicide & Crisis Hotline. They’re sending an important message to people who are struggling with their mental health and looking for help: we’re there for you. That’s what leadership looks like,” said U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra.
“Help is only 3 digits away for anyone, at any time. And this resource completely cuts out the stigma for someone who is thinking about reaching out for help. I lost a very dear friend to suicide last year and I just can’t help but to wonder if there was an easier path for…