FARGO, N.D (BCBCND) – The Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota (BCBSND) Caring Foundation closed out its second season of Shut Out the Stigma in March. This initiative brings awareness to mental health resources and makes a donation per save made by the goalies of the Bismarck Bobcats, Fargo Force, Minot Minotauros and UND Fighting Hawks. This year, the Foundation partnered with FirstLink to directly support mental health and crisis intervention services to keep hope on the line.

“We are incredibly grateful to the Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota Caring Foundation for choosing FirstLink as its partner for this season’s exciting Shut Out the Stigma initiative! Thanks to every save and the Caring Foundation’s support, the money raised will empower FirstLink to answer hundreds of local life-saving calls, chats and texts to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline,” said Jennifer Illich, FirstLink executive director. “This generous donation will directly support our
mission of connecting those in need with the help and hope they deserve. What an amazing season of impact!” Through the Caring Foundation’s Shut Out the Stigma initiative, FirstLink will receive funds to support over 750 life-saving phone calls.
“Mental health is a critical issue that affects us all. Through this initiative, we aim to bring much-needed awareness and support to this cause,” said Amber Blomberg, BCBSND Caring Foundation executive director. “By partnering with FirstLink and our local hockey teams it allowed us to make a meaningful impact in our community as well. Together, we are not only
raising funds but also fostering a culture of openness and support around mental health.”

In July, the third annual Strike Out the Stigma campaign will begin in partnership with baseball teams across North Dakota, including the Badlands Big Sticks, Bismarck Larks, FM Redhawks, Minot Honey Bees and Minot Hot Tots to support the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.