YELLOW JACKETS! DELAWARE CELEBRATES MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS ON FEB. 7
February 4, 2026
WILMINGTON – The Delaware Blue Coats have partnered with Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield to celebrate Mental Health Awareness Night on Saturday, Feb. 7 when the team hosts the Wisconsin Herd at 6 p.m.
In recognition of the yellow ribbon, which symbolizes suicide and self-harm prevention, the team will change its name to “Yellow Jackets” and don vibrant yellow uniforms. These specialty jerseys will be auctioned to the public online from Feb. 7-14, and all proceeds will be donated to SL24: UnLocke the Light.
“Highmark is grateful for the longstanding relationship we have with the Delaware Blue Coats, and we’re excited to host our fourth Mental Health Awareness game. We are deeply committed to the health of our community and understand that mental health is a fundamental component of overall wellness,” said Tim Vessel, president of Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield in Delaware. “We hope everyone will join us to cheer on the Blue Coats, learn about mental health resources available, and reduce stigma around seeking support.”
“We have an amazing opportunity in the NBA G League to drive attention to important causes,” said Blue Coats President Larry Meli. “Thanks to our partners at Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, we can make these creative splashes with our uniforms and the game overall. The hope is to grab the attention of our fans and make them give some extra thought to mental health, and that’s a really special thing.”
Local advocacy groups will attend the game and exhibit their services to fans in attendance. Organizations confirmed to participate include Amanecer Counseling & Resource Center, ContactLifeline, Delaware Coalition Against Domestic Violence, DE Community Legal Aid Society, Diamond Chiropractic, The Monarch Movement, Delaware Behavioral Health Consortium, Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health, Dover Behavioral Health and Rockford Center Behavioral Health.
“Mental Health Awareness Night is about showing people they’re not alone,” said Zach Ryan, Executive Director of SL24: UnLocke the Light. “It sends a powerful message of hope and highlights the importance of community. We’re grateful to the Delaware Blue Coats and Highmark for using their platforms to help normalize conversations around mental health and to remind young people that it’s okay to talk openly, ask for help, and take care of their mental health.”
Tickets for the Mental Health Awareness Night presented by Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield are available at Ticketmaster.com/BlueCoats, including a limited number of courtside seats.
ABOUT THE DELAWARE BLUE COATS:
The Delaware Blue Coats are the official NBA G League affiliate of the Philadelphia 76ers. The Blue Coats won the 2022-23 NBA G League Championship and have made four-straight trips to the postseason. The team won the 2021 Winter Showcase Cup. For ticket information, visit WWW.BLUECOATS.TEAM. The Delaware Blue Coats organization is a Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment property.
ABOUT HIGHMARK BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD:
Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield in Delaware serves approximately 500,000 members statewide through the company’s health care benefits business. Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Delaware is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. For more information, visit www.highmarkbcbsde.com.
ABOUT SL24: UNLOCKE THE LIGHT:
SL24: UnLocke the Light works to advance youth mental health by focusing on the three pillars of its mission statement, to educate, assist, and support. SL24 equips young people with the tools to recognize mental health challenges, seek help, and take steps toward wellness, while working to remove barriers to care by connecting youth to specialized resources and financial access to therapy. Through Sean’s House and Sean’s Room, SL24 provides safe, brave spaces that encourage peer connection and support. To learn more, visit www.unlockethelight.com.
LET’S GO COATS.