SONG FOR CHARLIE JOINS MLB ALL-STAR WEEK TO EDUCATE FAMILIES ABOUT FENTANYL RISKS

July 8, 2024 — Song for Charlie (SFC), the leading national nonprofit dedicated to raising awareness about the dangers of fentanyl and fake pills, is honored to be one of only a select few nonprofits invited by Major League Baseball (MLB) to participate in the Capital One All-Star Village during MLB All-Star Week. SFC aims to educate youth and families about the risks of fentanyl through interactive displays, expert discussions, and personal stories from impacted families. This initiative is part of a powerful coalition with MLB, social media platforms, and major retailers.

A Powerful Coalition for Change

This collaboration underscores a broad and influential coalition. By partnering with iconic sports franchises like MLB, social media platforms such as Meta and Snap, and major retailers like Walmart, SFC has been able to reach millions of American families, providing them with critical resources to stay safe from fentanyl and fake pills. These diverse sectors are united behind SFC in addressing the fentanyl crisis through comprehensive public education and awareness efforts.

MLB’s Comprehensive Approach

SFC‘s invitation to participate in the All-Star Village is the latest action in MLB’s extensive efforts to address the fentanyl crisis in the U.S. Earlier this year, the league participated in the White House ‘Challenge to Save Lives from Overdose,’ which increases the availability and training for naloxone, an opioid overdose reversal medication, in all Major League and Minor League ballparks. Additionally, throughout the baseball season, the MLB trainers’ organization, the Professional Baseball Athletic Trainers Society (PBATS), has been hosting SFC at its PLAY Campaign events across 10 stops this summer. These initiatives, coupled with SFC‘s educational efforts during All-Star Week, highlight MLB’s commitment to public engagement and education on this critical issue.

“Song for Charlie is grateful to MLB for their significant efforts toward addressing the fentanyl crisis through awareness and education,” said Ed Ternan, founder of Song for Charlie. “We’re also thankful to have Walmart and Meta sponsor our participation in All-Star Week, and for Meta’s continued support to make sure their platforms are connecting young people to life-saving education. Their partnership allows us to bring Song for Charlie’s message to hundreds of thousands of baseball fans and families.

Additionally, Snapchat’s special Song for Charlie baseball lens plays an important role in spreading awareness to youth right where they so often are—on social media.”

Jon Coyles, MLB’s Vice President for Drug, Health, and Safety Programs, said: “The All-Star Game celebrates the very best of our sport, and it also provides a national platform to highlight causes that are important to Major League Baseball. We applaud the outstanding work that is being done by Song for Charlie in the fight against fentanyl. MLB is proud to host Song for Charlie at our Midsummer Classic in Texas, which will increase awareness and educate young people regarding this vital issue.”

SFC All-Star Village Booth Features

Fans attending the All-Star Village can find the SFC booth near the F&B Chill Zone, off the concourse of Choctaw Stadium. At our booth, visitors can engage with interactive displays designed to educate about the dangers of fentanyl and fake pills. They can also meet with SFC staff, including experts and bereaved family members, who will provide insights and answer questions. Additionally, attendees can hear poignant personal stories from families directly affected by fentanyl.

All-Star Village Details

Capital One All-Star Village, MLB‘s marquee fan festival, will take place from Saturday, July 13 to Tuesday, July 16, 2024, in Arlington, Texas. For the first time, it will be held in a former Major League Ballpark — Choctaw Stadium — and will also encompass Esports Stadium Arlington and the North Lawn.

About Song for Charlie

Song for Charlie is a national family-led nonprofit organization dedicated to raising awareness about the dangers of fentanyl and fake pills. Founded by Ed and Mary Ternan after losing their son Charlie to fentanyl poisoning in 2020, the organization aims to educate and protect young people from the dangers of self-medication. Through further initiatives like The New Drug Talk, La Nueva Drug Talk, and National Fentanyl Awareness Day, SFC provides resources and tools to help families and communities stay informed and safe. Learn more at www.songforcharlie.org.

For media inquiries, contact:

Christina Julian, Song for Charlie Outreach Partner

christina@songforcharlie.org • 310-795-4293