June 23rd 2023.
The Blue Cross Blue Shield Association (BCBSA) and Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) have come together to address the alarming youth mental health crisis in the United States. Through a four-year commitment of more than $10 million, the partnership will help BGCA to implement trauma-informed practices in its 5,000 clubs by 2026. This will enable the training of 48,000 staff members to better support the emotional and mental well-being of over 3.6 million children.
“The United States has been grappling with a growing and alarming youth mental health crisis that demands a multi-faceted approach to provide kids with the tools they need to confront the challenges they face in school, at home and in their everyday lives,” said Kim Keck, BCBSA president and CEO. “Through our partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of America, we are uniquely positioned to intervene early, get kids the help they need, and set them on the path for the future they deserve.”
Through BCBSA’s contribution, BGCA will be able to incorporate trauma-informed practices into clubs across the country. This will include creating and implementing resources, increasing staff awareness, providing programming and resources to build social-emotional development skills, increasing access to mental health services, and evaluating the trauma-informed strategy to inform learnings and drive quality improvement.
“Providing physical and emotional safety for our young people is fundamental to everything we do in Boys & Girls Clubs,” said Jim Clark, Boys & Girls Clubs of America president and CEO. “We know every child and teen is better equipped to succeed when we meet them where they are to address their needs, and that includes providing access to reliable mental health resources and support.”
New BCBSA research reveals that diagnosed rates of anxiety, ADHD, and depression have all grown steadily between 2017 and 2021, with Black and Hispanic youth being more likely to have negative outcomes compared to their white counterparts. Kids in rural areas are also less likely to be diagnosed with mental health conditions.
This national partnership builds off more than 250 mental health programs that Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies offer to meet the unique needs of their local communities. A localized approach to care fosters trust, accessibility, and engagement, making it easier for young people to access the mental health resources and support they need to thrive.
“When we come together, I believe we can meaningfully improve children’s lives and turn the tide on today’s youth mental health crisis,” Keck said. This partnership is an important step in the right direction to ensure that all kids have the emotional and mental support they need to reach their potential.
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