DELAWARE GOES PURPLE FOR MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS 

March 30, 2022

WILMINGTON – MAR. 30, 2022 – The Delaware Blue Coats will host Mental Health Awareness Night presented by ChristianaCare & Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Delaware to benefit Delaware Goes Purple on Friday, April 1 when the team hosts the Wisconsin Herd at 7:00 p.m. For one day, the team will become the “Purple Coats” to raise awareness of substance abuse and contributing factors, as well as unite the community in supporting care resources.

Players will wear unique uniforms, which will be autographed and auctioned to fans via DASH online beginning Friday on Blue Coats’ social media channels, with all proceeds to be donated to the Delaware Goes Purple initiative.  Game tickets are on sale now HERE, with a portion of all sales also to be directed to the cause.

All fans will receive a Purple Coats t-shirt, courtesy of Dr. Sandra Gibney of Newark Urgent Care.

“Mental health and substance use disorders touch every corner of our state. As Chair of the Behavioral Health Consortium, and as a nurse, I know firsthand that the most important message we can send is that no one has to struggle alone. On this night, with the help of the Blue Coats, we are spreading that message,” said Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long, Ph.D., R.N. “Thank you to the Blue Coats, Delaware Goes Purple, Christiana Care, and Highmark Delaware for making that possible, and for helping us build a stronger, healthier Delaware!”

“Mental health is an essential part of overall health, and it’s important that everyone affected by mental illness can get the support and care that they need to live their healthiest life,” said Janice E. Nevin, M.D., MPH, President, and CEO of ChristianaCare. “We’re proud to partner with the Office of the Lieutenant Governor, the Blue Coats, Delaware Goes Purple, and Highmark Delaware to raise awareness of the importance of mental health. By talking about it, we can reduce the stigma and make it easier for people to seek support when they need it. If you’re struggling or have questions about your own mental wellbeing, start the conversation by talking to your doctor.”

“Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Delaware is proud to partner with the Delaware Blue Coats, the Lt. Governor’s office, ChristianaCare, and Delaware Goes Purple to help raise awareness, reduce stigma, and encourage healthy choices and dialogue around this important initiative,” said Nick Moriello, president of Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Delaware. “The health of a person and a community relies on the support and services available to them and we are thankful for the leadership of our health and nonprofit partners in this space.”

“The platform including our team, arena, and the overall brand has a uniquely engaged audience: the young people in this community,” said Blue Coats President Larry Meli. “In becoming the Purple Coats and switching up our trademark colors for this special event, we hope to direct much-needed attention to the issues of mental health and substance abuse and provide a runway to deliver key messaging for our incredible partners at ChristianaCare, Highmark Delaware, the Office of the Lieutenant Governor and Delaware Goes Purple.”

Mental health support groups and resources will be in attendance at staff informational booths throughout the concourse at Chase Fieldhouse. Learn more about Delaware Goes Purple at www.delawaregoespurple.org