Across the United States, May is recognized as Mental Health Awareness Month. The issue of mental health and the stigma around it hits close to home for the Rapids as one in five Coloradans have some form of mental health illness. This year, the club has made a commitment to changing the conversation around mental health.
In February, the Rapids launched the New Day Kit, which comes with an important message.
Social media break (May 1-5)
To start the month, the club will take a break from its social media platforms May 1-5 and will return for regular gameday coverage on May 6 when the Rapids travel west to take on LA Galaxy.
Mental Health journey submissions (all month)
With the New Day kit launch earlier this year, the club received testimonials from five individuals connected to the Rapids organization, sharing their mental health journeys.
This month, we’d like to invite Rapids fans to join the conversation and share how they keep their mental health in check. Some of your stories will be featured on our website. To submit, CLICK HERE.
Volunteer program (all month)
The Rapids are encouraging fans across the state to volunteer anytime during May to one of our four partners that are focused on mental health and wellbeing.
- **Mental Health Colorado** advocates for every Coloradan who experiences a mental health or substance use condition each year. We engage policymakers, providers, the public, and the press to promote mental well-being, ensure equitable access to mental health and substance use care, and end discrimination. Learn more here.
- **Project Helping** arranges volunteer events specifically designed to make an impact. Through volunteering, participants actively invest in their communities while also reaping the benefits of increased mental wellness. Sign up here.
- **Go4Graham** has built a grassroots community of 2000+ like-minded individuals who share a common passion: believing that community and physical activity are crucial for the treatment of mental illness. Learn more here.
- **Denver Park Trust** seeks to improve and expand Denver’s park system in thoughtful, equitable, and sustainable way while also being intentional about what they fund, where they work, and how they select projects. Sign up here.
Go4Graham webinar (May 15)
The Rapids will collaborate with a local organization called Go4Graham to put on a free webinar open to the public on May 15 from 5:30-7 p.m. MT. The organization works to shred the stigma surrounding mental health and to promote mental wellness through exercise, community and education. Read more about Go4Graham’s story.
Academy Speaker Series
As part of a new series, the Rapids Academy team will have the opportunity to hear from a mental health professional from our partner UCHealth, who will address topics like anxiety, depression, mindfulness, and coping skills.
Mental Health Awareness Night (May 27)
The highlight of the Rapids’ recognition of this important issue is the May 27 game, when Colorado hosts FC Cincinnati for Mental Health Awareness Night. The team will wear the New Day Kits at home for the first and only time this season, featuring special numbers designed by local artist Pat Milbery.
Fans will have the chance to bid on the game-worn New Day jerseys in the online auction, which will run from May 27th at 7:30pm and end on June 4 at 11:59pm.
Fan experience
There will be a pregame Block Party in the South lot behind Dale’s Bar. Fans will get a chance to check out local food trucks as well as watch other MLS games from around the country on a big screen set up for the event.
As fans enter the stadium, they’ll see chalk art murals created by local chalk artists, highlighting mental health messages.
Mental health partners in DSG
Once inside the stadium, there will be several opportunities for fans to learn more about our four main mental health-focused partners and ways they can join the conversation around mental health. Organizations scheduled to be at the game include Mental Health Colorado, Project Helping, Go4Graham and Denver Park Trust.
Mental Health Wellness Clinic (May 30)
On May 30, we are hosting a Mental Wellness Clinic in partnership with Mental Health Colorado, which will feature a 40-minute soccer clinic followed by a Q&A with Rapids players.
