WEllness
We support health, fitness, and awareness initiatives to improve our youth’s physical and mental health.
our impact
33K+
children received concussion baseline testing to date
150+
students participated in MindHacks mental health program
98
school districts participated in the Mental Health and Student-Athletes symposium
650+
children ages 3 to 12 served by COOL Zones
Cool Zone
The Children Overcoming Obstacles and Limits (COOL) Zone has served over 650 children ages 3 to 12 through its early intervention behavioral health evaluation program. Developed with support from the Penguins Foundation and part of the Matilda Theiss Early Childhood Behavioral Health Program, the COOL Zone aims to increase accessibility to high-quality mental health services by creating nurturing environments in schools and child-oriented spaces in Allegheny County. This program addresses a wide range of behavioral and emotional issues, including aggression, anxiety, depression, and traumatic responses, by creating a welcoming and familiar space for therapy.
MindHacks
MindHacks leverages Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) principles to instill mindful practices in middle school students through a curriculum developed in partnership with UPMC Western Behavioral Health, Allegheny Intermediate Unit (AIU3), and the Citrone 33 Foundation. The program, available in 15 classrooms, cultivates skills that enhance interpersonal relationships, connectedness, positive coping strategies, and overall wellness. The MindHacks video series features short, engaging videos presented by professional athletes from Pittsburgh’s sports teams and beyond. These role models share insights on emotional conditions, offer practical tips, and reveal their preferred coping techniques in a fun and relatable way.
Additionally, the MindHacks toolkit provides educational resources for hands-on learning, complemented by Penguins-branded items to motivate student engagement in mindful practices. The curriculum employs diverse teaching methods, including group discussions, games, team-building activities, and relaxation practices, closely aligned with the PA Department of Education’s Career Ready Skills Continuum.
Renovation of the UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital Gym
With a grant of $114,000, the Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation transformed the UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital gym into a state-of-the-art Recreation and Wellness Center. The updated facility features themed decor, advanced equipment, a sound system, and Pittsburgh Penguins branding. This initiative boosts wellness and aims to diminish the stigma associated with mental health issues.
Penguins Foundation Grant Benefits Pediatric Cancer Care
HeadsUP Pittsburgh
Since 2010, HeadsUP Pittsburgh, a collaborative effort between the Penguins Foundation and UPMC Sports Medicine, has offered young athletes free baseline concussion testing and education. HeadsUP Pittsburgh is the first program of its kind and a blueprint for NHL organizations and sports leagues to reduce concussions and other sports injuries. It has baseline tested over 33,100 youths from 39 sports, including major sports, cheerleading, dance, and boxing. Additionally, it has provided concussion awareness training to nearly 63,000 parents, coaches, and teachers.
Mental Health and Student-Athletes
The Mental Health and Student-Athletes: Red Flags, Roles, Responses symposium focuses on proactive strategies for mental health in student-athletes across Southwestern Pennsylvania. The Symposium convened representatives from 98 school districts, and 23 colleges and universities to equip educators, such as coaches, trainers, and counselors, with strategies to foster student-athletes’ mental well-being. Experts discussed critical issues like recognizing signs of depression and anxiety, effective intervention techniques, and transitioning athletes from high school to college sports.
Children’s Hospital Visit
So Many Angels Hockey Fights Cancer Photo Shoot
