Big league ballplayers are giving Valley Children’s Hospital a helping hand.
Major League Baseball and its players union awarded VCH a $50,000 grant to aid in the mental health of patients at the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Center.
“For children who are victims of child abuse, shelter in place orders, social distancing and virtual learning have reduced or completely eliminated their contact with trusted adults outside their homes who can report suspected abuse,” says Dr. John Kinnison with the VCH child abuse center.
“There is no precedent for the hardships that kids have endured over the last year and a half and the impact is long-lasting, which is why the work to support the mental health resiliency of children is more important than ever. This grant will help us elevate that work.”
One of Two West Coast MLB Grants
Several Central Valley residents are currently in the Big Leagues, most prominently slugger Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees. The Linden resident also starred at Fresno State.
“Major League Baseball’s support will allow us to continue to provide comprehensive care for children facing very difficult circumstances,” said Robert Saroyan, president of Valley Children’s Foundation.
The grant is part of MLB and the MLB Players Association program of supporting health organizations. In the latest round of awards, the VCH grant is only one of two from the West Coast.
