Save Mart puts energy drink 51FIFTY back on its shelves

Save Mart is putting the energy drink 51FIFTY back on its shelves, saying it’s satisfied the drink’s maker is addressing concerns over its name.

The Modesto-based grocery store chain discontinued the drink three weeks ago after mental health advocates said the name, 51FIFTY, is offensive.

Police and first responders use the term “5150” in situations when a person “as a result of a mental health disorder is a danger to others, or to himself or herself or gravely disabled.”

Although Carlos Vieira, 51FIFTY’s CEO, refused to change the name, the Carlos Vieira Foundation began a campaign to educate people about mental illness, called the Race to End the Stigma.

The campaign will support organizations in the mental health field through fundraising and outreach programs such as school speakers.

Save Mart officials said they were pleased to learn about the energy drink’s commitment to support a campaign to increase understanding of mental illness.

“51FIFTY’s support of the Carlos Vieira Foundation’s ‘Race to End the Stigma’ will help our communities talk about mental illness and connect people with resources and support,” said Stacia Levenfeld, Save Mart spokeswoman. “For that reason, Save Mart will retain 51FIFTY products on our shelves.”

This story was originally published April 12, 2016 at 4:57 PM with the headline "Save Mart puts energy drink 51FIFTY back on its shelves."