Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association Names McLean Hospital as Its Official Mental Health Partner

The Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) today announced a long-term relationship with McLean Hospital, the number one freestanding psychiatric hospital in the United States, to become the “Official Mental Health Care Partner of the MIAA.” The new mental health initiative will center around education efforts with students and student athletes statewide.

The MIAA serves 375 member schools and their students by providing leadership and support for the conduct of interscholastic athletics that enrich the educational experiences of all participants.

“We are excited to announce this partnership with McLean Hospital as an example of their commitment to our schools and students across the state and our communities,” said MIAA Executive Director Bill Gaine. The collaboration will develop education efforts year-round and includes exposure at the MIAA high school state championship sports series.

“Mental health is a critical component of every child’s overall health and through this partnership, McLean Hospital will have an opportunity to be a trusted resource for students and their families across the Commonwealth,” said Scott L. Rauch, MD, president and psychiatrist in chief for McLean Hospital. “We are deeply honored to be the mental health partner of the MIAA.”

“Companies are looking for creative ways to develop a deeper relationship with the communities that they serve,” said Larry Jaeger, president of Sponsor Burst, Inc., a sports marketing company that helped facilitate the agreement. “These types of trusted partnerships go far beyond traditional advertising or sponsorships to differentiate their brand from the competition.”

McLean, which has six campuses throughout Eastern and Central Massachusetts, is the largest psychiatric affiliate of Harvard Medical School and is known for its outstanding mental health clinical care, research, training, and advocacy. As the official mental health partner of the MIAA, McLean Hospital will work to increase awareness and reduce stigma around issues that often arise during adolescence, including bullying, anxiety, depression, substance use, and trauma.