CHILL MOBILE
Named a 2023 finalist of MLB's prestigious Allan H. Selig Award for Philanthropic Excellence
In an effort to tackle our community's youth mental health crisis, Pirates Charities joined forces with Pirates healthcare partner Allegheny Health Network to launch Chill Mobile in 2022. This retrofitted RV offered more than 6,000 students last school year across the Pittsburgh region a calming space to learn evidence-based coping skills and participate in practical and interactive experiences. Chill Mobile is back on the road this school year with the goal of not only improving individual mental health, but of extending the conversation into the larger community and reducing the stigma surrounding mental health.
This 33-foot mobile mental health unit, along with Allegheny Health Network mental health professionals, deploys to schools throughout the region each year. Over the course of three, week-long visits, Chill Mobile staff provides students the opportunity to learn and practice mindfulness skills through virtual, interactive experiences. In addition, teachers and educators are provided instruction and tools to continue putting mental wellness practices to work in their school community long after Chill Mobile's final visit.
2023 SCHOOL VISITS
Bellevue Elementary
Pirates Charities and Allegheny Health Network were honored to kick off Chill Mobile at Bellevue Elementary where Pirates pitcher David Bednar, Pirates In-Game Host Joe Klimchak and Pirate Parrot joined Allegheny Health Network’s Chill Project professionals and students for a mindfulness assembly. David and Joe shared their stories around mental health, the importance of mindfulness and talking with friends and family and closed the assembly with a mindfulness practice with the students. The Chill Mobile team and RV then stayed at Bellevue Elementary for the remainder of the week, spending time with students, families and faculty, allowing everyone the chance to empower their mental wellness and continue the conversation around mental health.
Chartiers Valley High School
Pirates Charities and Allegheny Health Network were excited to bring Chill Mobile to Chartiers Valley High School where Pirates pitcher David Bednar, Pirates In-Game Host Joe Klimchak, Pirate Parrot and Bacon Burt spent time with student athletes talking about the importance of mental health, especially in sports. Chill Mobile then stayed at Chartiers Valley High School for the remainder of the week working with the student body and faculty and holding important conversations around mental wellness, while encouraging students to take their learnings and apply it in their lives on and off the field.
Cornell School District
Pirates Charities and Allegheny Health Network were excited to bring Chill Mobile to Cornell School District where Pirates pitcher David Bednar, Pirates In-Game Host Joe Klimchak, the Pirate Parrot and the beloved Pittsburgh Pierogies spent time with students in grades 1-9 talking about mindfulness and mental strength. Chill Mobile and its team of AHN specialists then stayed for the remainder of the week working with the student body and faculty on how to support each other’s mental health, be advocates for their friends, and end the stigma around asking for help.
Pine Richland Middle School
Pirates Charities and Allegheny Health Network were excited to bring Chill Mobile to Pine Richland Middle School where Pirates pitcher David Bednar, Pirates In-Game Host Joe Klimchak, Pirate Parrot and a few Pittsburgh Pierogies met with students to talk about the importance of listening to each other and lending a helping hand. Chill Mobile then stayed for the remainder of the week working with students and faculty on practical mindfulness habits and how to ask for help when you need it.
Crafton Elementary
Pirates Charities and Allegheny Health Network were excited to bring Chill Mobile to Crafton Elementary School where Pirates In-Game Host Joe Klimchak, Pirate Parrot and a few Pittsburgh Pierogies met with students in kindergarten through sixth grade to talk about mental health and put mindfulness techniques to practice. Even an impromptu pierogy race broke out in the assembly causing laughs and cheers to fill the auditorium. Chill Mobile then stayed for the remainder of the week to continue the conversation around mental strength and empower students and faculty to put into practice what they learned.
Clairton Elementary
Pirates Charities and Allegheny Health Network were excited to bring Chill Mobile to Clairton Elementary School where Pirates In-Game Host Joe Klimchak, Pirate Parrot and a few Pittsburgh Pierogies met with students in kindergarten through fifth grade to start important discussions around mental health and how we can all do our part to end the stigma. Chill Mobile and its team of AHN specialists then stayed for the remainder of the week to practice mindfulness exercises and work with faculty and students on ways they can be mental health champions for themselves and their friends.
Duquesne School District
Pirates Charities and Allegheny Health Network were excited to bring Chill Mobile to Duquesne School District where Pirates Broadcaster Greg Brown, Pirate Parrot and a few Pierogies met with students in kindergarten through sixth grade to kick start their mindfulness journey and talk about the important of mental health. Chill Mobile and it’s team of AHN specialists then worked with students and staff on mindfulness exercises and how to support each other’s mental strength.