FARGO, N.D. (BCBSND) – The Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota (BCBSND) Caring Foundation is proud to
announce a $14,500 donation to The Village Family Service Center, an organization that provides youth mental health services throughout the state. The funds were raised through Strike Out the Stigma, a unique collaboration with the Bismarck Larks, Minot Hot Tots, and Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks.

The need for increased awareness and support for youth mental health challenges is an escalating concern in our state. According to the BCBSND Caring Foundation’s Social Determinants of Health Study, mental health worries are going up in our state, especially for young people. Sadly, even though more young people need help with their mental health, there aren’t enough professionals to help them.

Numbers show that 46% of North Dakotans live in a mental health professional shortage area. Recognizing this, BCBSND Caring Foundation invested in Strike Out the Stigma to increase access and spread awareness. In July, for every time the Larks, Hot Tots or RedHawks threw a strikeout at home, the Caring Foundation gave $50 to The Village Family Service Center. By using the popularity of baseball and the power of community engagement, this unique endeavor raised $14,500 to further the cause of improving youth mental health awareness and access to vital services.

Strike Out the Stigma is just one way the Caring Foundation is trying to help young people with their mental health in North Dakota. The foundation also made a four-year commitment to supporting the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association’s national partnership with the Boys and Girls Clubs of America to create a trauma-informed training program. Further, through the CaringforKids grant program evidence-based programs receive funding to support mental health services for youth. The Social Determinants of Health Study, commissioned by the Caring Foundation in partnership with the North Dakota State University Center for Social Research, gives valuable insights on how to develop community-driven solutions to improve the well-being of North Dakotans.

By championing collaborative efforts like these, the BCBSND Caring Foundation is actively taking steps to address the critical issues of youth mental health challenges and limited access to services. The foundation stays dedicated to fostering a healthier, more resilient future for the youth of our state. For more information about the BCBSND Caring Foundation and its ongoing initiatives, please visit ndcaring.org