Pictured left to right: Dr. James Pawelski, professor of practice and director of education in the Positive Psychology Center at the University of Pennsylvania; Dr. Meghan Walls, Nemours, Public Policy Leader, Pediatric Psychologist; and Dr. Ryan Connolly, Behavioral Health Medical Director, Independence Blue Cross
For the second year, Independence Blue Cross (IBX) served as presenting sponsor for the annual “Every Story Matters” Mental Fitness Forum, a free program of the Philadelphia Union Foundation HeadFirst initiative. The event, held at Subaru Park on May 8 and designed for coaches, athletic directors, trainers, club administrators, and parents, is dedicated to fostering conversations and sharing insights on youth mental well-being.
Dr. Ryan Connolly, IBX behavioral health medical director, joined coaches, community leaders, and other mental health professionals, to share insights, tools, and resources that foster resilience, healthy development, and overall performance in athletes. His panel discussed “Mental Wellness in Competitive Sports: Clinical and Positive Psychology Perspectives.”
Other featured panels and speakers included:
- Moderator: Suzie Pileggi Pawelski, MAPP, Science of Well-being Consultant, Author & Coach, Well-being Chair, Philadelphia International FC
- Keynote Speaker: Keith Wilford, Philadelphia Union, YSC Academy Health and Wellness Coach
- Panel 2: Coach the Mind: How Coaches Shape Athlete Mental Fitness
- Panel 3: Beyond the Pitch: Supporting the Whole Athlete
In 2024, IBX announced a multi-year commitment to help fund the HeadFirst youth mental health program. The initiative has three key components:
- Digital Toolkit for players, parents, and coaches
- In Person Education | ‘A Happier U’
- Annual Mental Fitness Forum ‘Raising Awareness | Because Every Story Matters’
IBX is also the Official Health Insurance Partner of the Philadelphia Union and Subaru Park, and the first official sleeve patch partner of the Union.
