WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Washington Wizards and MedStar Health are partnering to host Mental Health Awareness Night on March 4 at 5:00 p.m. when the Toronto Raptors come to Capital One Arena.
Prior to Mental Health Awareness Night, Wizards center Daniel Gafford, New York Jets defensive end Solomon Thomas along with MedStar Health’s Aubrey Harrison, PhD came together on February 23, 2023, to discuss the importance of addressing and eliminating the stigma surrounding mental health. NBC Sports Washington’s Wes Hall moderated the discussion. The panel was attended by student athletes from Howard University working with Morgan’s Message, a non-profit organization that helps amplify stories and provide student athletes with mental health resources and expertise.
As part of Mental Health Awareness Night, the Wizards and MedStar Health will educate fans with mental health information and statistics throughout the game. In-game arena host Britt Waters will also interview MedStar Health’s Aubrey Harrison, PhD about the importance of mental health prior to the game. Courtesy of MedStar Health, a Gafford designed mental health t-shirt toss will take place. Fans will also see a video of Gafford and Thomas’ mental health discussion.
Those wishing to attend Mental Health Awareness Night can buy tickets at https://www.nba.com/wizards/tickets-2.