‘In the heart of our community’: Rogers-sponsored baseball games put spotlight on mental health
Known as America’s pastime, baseball can provide a common language – especially for topics that have traditionally been kept in the dark.
Rogers sponsors Kenosha Kingfish baseball game
On Sunday, May 31, Rogers sponsored a Kenosha Kingfish Mental Health Awareness game, putting the spotlight on hope and healing.
Charity Lopez, MHAR therapist, sang the National Anthem. She says events like this can bring important discussions and resources out into the open.
“Music is a passion of mine and I have found that it sometimes has the power to reach people beyond mere words,” Charity says. “Too many times, people are hurting and go without the help they need because they do not know the resources that are out there ready to help. It was great to see the Kingfish Community recognizing the importance of reaching out for help.”
Former Rogers patient, Jeremy Adamson, threw the first pitch – returning to the field he pitched on 36 years ago when he played on the all-county baseball team for Kenosha Bradford High School. After being treated for addiction at Rogers, he wanted to spread the message that reaching out for help is not something to be ashamed of. Rather, it is a courageous step that saved his life, bringing him closer to his family and allowing him to be a role model of change for his children. He now volunteers by running a peer support group for those with eating disorders at Rogers Kenosha clinic.
“It was inspirational,” Charity says, “to see one of our own former patients who has worked so hard to improve his life getting the recognition he deserves and being able to spotlight his leadership in the peer support group he started at our location.”
The game was well-attended, says Erik Bradley, Community Relations liaison, with a Rogers resource table and a Rogers video played after the first inning.
Rogers highlights mental health at Lake Country DockHounds game
On the same day, May 31, Rogers also sponsored the Mental Health Awareness Day game with the Lake Country DockHounds, further expanding the conversation.
“Mental health isn’t something that should only be talked about in clinical spaces; it’s a conversation that belongs in the heart of our community,” says Heather Parker, manager of Community Partnerships. “By partnering with the Lake Country DockHounds, Rogers is bringing that vital dialogue out to the ballpark — proving that seeking help is a strength and that no one in our community has to walk through their struggles alone.”
Tickets purchased through Rogers’ dedicated link raised money for the Rogers Behavioral Health Foundation.
Kobe, Rogers’ facility dog and experiential therapy assistant, had the honor of throwing the first pitch. Kobe also made friends with the DockHounds’ canine mascot.
Rogers leaders throw first pitch at Brewers game
On Friday, June 12, Rogers’ CEO and President Cindy Meyer and Chief Digital Information Officer Matt Harris represented the organization on a larger stage, throwing out the ceremonial first pitch at the Milwaukee Brewers’ sold-out Pride Night game.
The appearance marked another opportunity to bring visibility to mental health in a community setting in front of thousands of fans. The night also made headlines, as Brewers pitcher Jacob Misiorowski delivered his first career complete game shutout in a 6–0 win over the Philadelphia Phillies, adding to the significance of the evening.
These impactful days show the power of bringing conversations about mental health and treatment into everyday life, with the knowledge that hope is a language we all understand.
