On National Fentanyl Awareness Day, PBATS and Major League Baseball announce partnership with Song for Charlie to educate young athletes and athletic trainers
ATLANTA (May 7, 2024) – The Professional Baseball Athletic Trainers Society (PBATS) is proud to announce a groundbreaking partnership with Song for Charlie, a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to raising awareness about the dangers of fentanyl. This collaboration, which is supported by Major League Baseball, aims to educate Americans, specifically young athletes and athletic trainers, about the severe risks associated with fentanyl abuse and the importance of proper mental health care.
Illicit fentanyl, a synthetic opioid that’s currently being found in fake pills and numerous street drugs, is now the leading cause of death for Americans under the age of 45 and is responsible for nearly 100,000 deaths annually across the United States. As trusted figures in the sports and healthcare community, PBATS and Song for Charlie recognize their collective responsibility to address this devastating epidemic and protect the well-being of individuals nationwide.
Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid, has become a pressing public health crisis in recent years, claiming thousands of lives annually across the United States. As leaders in the sports and healthcare community, PBATS and Song for Charlie recognize their collective responsibility to address this epidemic and protect the well-being of individuals nationwide.
Under this partnership, PBATS and Song for Charlie will develop educational initiatives, outreach programs, and resources in conjunction with MLB to inform athletes, coaches, parents, and fans about the dangers of fentanyl misuse. By leveraging their platforms and networks, both organizations aspire to foster meaningful conversations and enact positive change in communities nationwide.
PBATS President Nick Kenney expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, “As athletic trainers and members of an educational society in PBATS, we prioritize the health and safety of our athletes both on and off the field. By partnering with Song for Charlie, we have a powerful opportunity to amplify our efforts and combat the fentanyl crisis head-on. Together, we can educate and empower individuals to make informed decisions and prevent further tragedies.”
Ed Ternan, co-founder of Song for Charlie and a father who lost his son to a fake pill laced with fentanyl, emphasized the importance of collective action in addressing the fentanyl epidemic, saying, “Song for Charlie was founded on the belief that every life lost to fentanyl overdose is one too many. By joining forces with PBATS and MLB, we can reach even more people with our message of awareness and prevention. Together, we can save lives and protect our communities.”
Dan Halem, Deputy Commissioner & Chief Legal Officer for MLB, said: “Major League Baseball is pleased to support the partnership between PBATS and Song for Charlie. We look forward to raising public awareness on the dangers of fentanyl, promoting the importance of mental health, and reaching sports fans and young people regarding these issues.”
PBATS and Song for Charlie invite individuals and organizations to join them in their mission to raise awareness about fentanyl and promote safe practices and proper mental health care. By working together, they aim to create a healthier, safer future for all.
For more information about PBATS and Song for Charlie, visit pbats.com and songforcharlie.org. Additionally, to listen to Ed Ternan on PBATS’ Inside Athletic Training podcast, please visit the episode homepage by clicking here.
About PBATS: The Professional Baseball Athletic Trainers Society (PBATS) is an organization dedicated to the advancement, education and certification of the athletic training profession. PBATS serves as the medical services resource to Major League Baseball and its 30 clubs. PBATS provides educational opportunities and professional development to its members to ensure the highest quality of health care for the baseball community.
About Song for Charlie: Song for Charlie (SFC) is a national nonprofit founded by Ed and Mary Ternan, catalyzed by the tragic loss of their son to fentanyl poisoning. Dedicated to preventing drug-related deaths among youth, SFC leads impactful initiatives such as “The New Drug Talk: Connect to Protect” and “La Nueva Drug Talk: Conectar Para Empoderar,” providing essential resources to families across diverse communities. Additionally, SFC organizes National Fentanyl Awareness Day, a crucial event that mobilizes community action against the fentanyl crisis. Through digital outreach and community engagement, SFC is committed to transforming the public’s approach to drug safety, making a significant impact on public health and safety. For more information, visit www.songforcharlie.org.
About Major League Baseball: Major League Baseball (MLB) is the most historic professional sports league in the United States and consists of 30 member clubs in the U.S. and Canada, representing the highest level of professional baseball. Led by Commissioner Robert D. Manfred, Jr., MLB remains committed to making an impact in the communities of the U.S., Canada and throughout the world, perpetuating the sport’s larger role in society and permeating every facet of baseball’s business, marketing, community relations and social responsibility endeavors. MLB currently features record levels of competitive balance, continues to expand its global reach through programming and content to fans all over the world, and registered records in games and minutes watched this season on MLB.TV. With the continued success of MLB Network and MLB digital platforms, MLB continues to find innovative ways for its fans to enjoy America’s National Pastime and a truly global game.
Media Contact:
Sam Radbil
Communications, PBATS
sam@theromanogroup.com
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