First-Ever Teal Talks a Success!
Event was held May 21 at CPKC Stadium with more than 50 high school athletes in attendance
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City (Blue KC) and the Kansas City Current hosted the first Teal Talks on May 21 at CPKC Stadium, welcoming more than 50 high school female soccer players from Kansas City metro schools. The event is part of “Sideline the Stigma”, the behavioral health initiative developed in partnership with Blue KC and the KC Current. The initiative focuses on promoting actionable and practical resources to remove the stigma surrounding mental health and giving support to all Kansas Citians.
“Blue KC and the KC Current have partnered together because we believe in bettering our community’s mental health,” said Christina Lively, Blue KC Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer. “Teal Talks is an event that is part of our exclusive Sideline the Stigma program, which is focused on providing practical resources, specifically to female youth athletes. It was amazing to hear the voices of the local high school athletes who attended the first-ever Teal Talks.”
These student athletes participated in a soccer scrimmage on the pitch at CPKC Stadium, prior to taking part in a panel discussion of behavioral health experts, sports psychologists, Nora Roddy (member of Win for KC’s High School Advisory Board THRIVE) and Current player Desiree Scott. The message to the students centered around the experience of a female athlete regarding competition, resiliency and mental health.
Additionally, the students enjoyed snacks in the Pitch Club, received memorable soccer gifts and were treated to a stadium tour.
“We are so excited to partner with Blue KC for our first Teal Talks at CPKC Stadium,” said KC Current VP of Community Relations Ben Aken. “We aim to raise awareness about mental and behavioral health by just having the conversation. Seeing players and other leaders in the community share their experiences, struggles and tools to overcome their own challenges is powerful. I hope this event empowers these young athletes to realize they can be anything they dream to be.”
There are plans to conduct a second Teal Talks later this season. For more information on Sideline the Stigma click here.
Blue KC supports the Kansas City community through impactful sports partnership programs
Sideline the Stigma
