- Western Health Advantage and WellSpace Health use jersey arm patch to elevate 988 in every community Republic FC plays in
- Republic FC to partner with leading mental health performance coach Dr. Armando Gonzalez to develop youth summit
- Suicide continues to be a leading cause of death for adults and young people in the U.S., with mental illness affecting millions each year
- During the first year with 988 on jerseys, the club reached over 600,000 people with a message that help is just three numbers away
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Republic FC, Western Health Advantage, and WellSpace Health are once again utilizing one of the club’s most visible platforms – its jersey – to drive awareness for mental health concerns and resources. Building on last year’s groundbreaking partnership, Republic FC’s first team, academy, and all retail jerseys will continue to feature a 988 patch to promote the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
“It’s both exciting and humbling to be able to continue our work with Western Health Advantage and WellSpace Health – to advance the work we got started,” said Republic FC Vice President of Community Investment Scott Moak. “The 988 patch on the sleeve was tremendous, but we have more to do. Luckily we have other superstar partners that are stepping into the fold with us this year like Dr. Mondo – who will help us spread the word about 988 but also democratize the fact that mental health care and therapy must be available for everyone. It’s going to be another special year.”
“Bringing attention to 988 as a lifeline helps improve the overall health of our community,” said Garry Maisel, CEO of Western Health Advantage. “The simplicity, accessibility, and responsiveness of 988 lets anyone struggling with mental health concerns know that support (and care) is just a phone call away.”
On Wednesday, WellSpace CEO Dr. Jonathan Porteus met with Congresswoman Doris Matsui, Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), SAMHSA, and representatives of national behavioral health care advocacy organizations to discuss the future of our nation’s behavioral health crisis continuum, which starts with a call or text to 988. The discussion will include showcasing the 988 patch partnership on Republic FC’s 2023 Resilient Kit. WellSpace Health – a statewide leader in designing and delivering integrated healthcare that treats the whole person, body and mind – operates the second largest 988 Suicide and Crisis Center in California answering more than 100,000 calls, texts, and chats from across the country.
Last year alone, over 3,000 jerseys were distributed in Sacramento and beyond to help drive awareness of the lifesaving hotline. Off the field, the club’s awareness campaign stretched across match broadcasts, the club’s social media channels, and into the community with non-profit partners. The club teamed up with California First Partner Jennifer Siebel-Newsom to release a 90-second PSA highlighting the simplicity behind the lifeline. Over 600,000 viewers tuned in to Republic FC matches where 988 was on display, as well as the hundreds of thousands of users that engage with the club’s social media channels. In every community in the country, 988 is an available resource – often answered within 45 seconds – through a network of over 200 call centers located in all 50 states.
“There is no better messenger for Hope and Care than local heroes on soccer pitches nationwide,” said Dr. Jonathan Porteus, CEO of WellSpace Health. “Thanks to our partnership with Republic FC, adults and children are finding the help they desperately need, quite literally saving lives, in cities across America.”
Later this year, the club will host its first-ever Student Athlete Mental Health Summit to create a supportive and inclusive environment for young people ages 13 to 17 throughout the region – including the club’s youth academy players – to talk about the impact of mental health on their development as athletes and individuals. Nationally recognized performance coach and psychologist Dr. Armando Gonzalez (Dr. Mondo) will join Republic FC and Western Health Advantage to create a curriculum and resources to provide young athletes the ability to make mental health a priority. Through his practice, Cheatcode, Dr. Mondo has worked with elite athletes across the major sports leagues, musicians and performers, championship combat sports athletes, and entire teams in the NFL and NBA.
“The Student Athlete Mental Health Summit and the continuation of the 988 jersey patch signify more than just a commitment to change; they represent actionable steps towards it,” said Dr. Mondo Gonzalez. “This movement is about empowering Sacramento’s future leaders and athletes to prioritize their mental well-being, making it easier for everyone to seek the help they need. But more importantly, these initiatives serve as a forum for dialogue, not instruction; for learning from our youth, not lecturing. As we engage with them, we’re not just sharing knowledge—we’re inviting them to help us envision and build Mental Health 2.0.”
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), 1 in 5 adults and 1 in 6 young people (aged 6-17) experience a mental health disorder each year. Suicide remains a leading cause of death in the country, and is the 2nd leading cause of death among young people aged 10-14. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) reports that for every one person who dies by suicide each year, 316 people seriously consider suicide, but do not kill themselves.
The National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline was established in 2005 and switched to a simple three digit number in 2022. Through calls, texts, and online messaging, trained counselors can assist anyone in crisis, experiencing emotional distress, or help friends and family with loved ones they care about. Awareness of the number and the resources behind it continue to remain a challenge. After becoming 988, the lifeline has served 8.1 million calls, texts, and chats – an exponential increase over the first 18 years of service, but there is still a long way to go in awareness. According to a recent study by The Pew Charitable Trusts, only 13% of adults in the U.S. have heard of 988 and know its purpose.
Republic FC’s new kits featuring the 988 patch will be released later this week. Fans will be able to order them at Shop.SacRepublicFC.com to continue to help amplify the message that help is only three digits away.
Republic FC’s season will begin on Saturday, March 9, when the club hosts Orange County SC at Heart Health Park. Kickoff from Heart Health Park is set for 7:00 p.m. and tickets are available now at SacRepublicFC.com/tickets.
For more information, visit SacRepublicFC.com.
