Our member and provider services may be experiencing higher than normal call volumes this week. We encourage you to utilize alternative forms of communication, including contacting a Care Guide through bcbsnd.me and Availity Essentials Provider Portal.
High call volumes
Shut Out the Stigma
Keep hope on the line
Suicide is the second-leading cause of death among North Dakotans ages 15 to 44, yet nearly the entire state is designated as a mental health shortage area.
Teaming up to improve access to mental health services
Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota (BCBSND) is partnering with FirstLink to support free, confidential listening and support, referrals to resources and crisis intervention 24 hours a day. For up to 20 saves each game made by the goalies of the Bismarck Bobcats, Fargo Force, University of North Dakota Fighting Hawks, and Minot Minotauros, BCBSND’s Caring Foundation will donate $50 to FirstLink to help keep hope on the line.
Shut Out the Stigma "Saves" Scoreboard
$26,500
Grand Total Donations
530
Grand Total Saves
$7,950
Bismarck Bobcats,
159 saves
$8,000
Fargo Force,
160 saves
$8,600
Minot Minotauros,
172 saves
$1,950
UND Fighting Hawks,
39 saves
Mental health services available in North Dakota
If you or someone you know needs mental health support, there are many ways to reach out for help.
Call or text 988.
If you or someone you love are in need of support, reach out to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. You do NOT need to be in an active crisis to utilize the line.
Dial 911.
In other cases of emergency
Dial 211.
For free, confidential resources,
listening and support.
Or text your ZIP code to 898‑211.
Tips for taking care of yourself
Engage in regular self-care. Taking care of you is the most important thing you can do.
- This can look like exercising, reading a book, watching TV/movies, spending time with friends and family, being outside, getting enough sleep, etc.
In need of resources or support? Reach out today.
Tips for taking care of those you love
Check in with your friends and family members.
If someone discloses that they are struggling, take them seriously and let them know that you are here to help.
- You can call the 988 Lifeline, answered locally by FirstLink, for guidance with helping others.
Keep hope on the line
We’re challenging each team’s goalie to complete 20 saves each game – for each save, BCBSND Caring Foundation will donate $50 to support FirstLink. Our goal is to raise $25,000 to for mental health support and crisis intervention.
Funds raised help support:
- $35 - supports one life-saving phone call
- $50 - funds care and support for a participant's follow-up care
State of the stigma
Mental and behavioral health are vital elements of overall well-being. Unfortunately, many people feel shame or reluctance with talking openly about it.
Data shows mental health issues are a major concern in North Dakota. The recent Social Determinants of Health report, by the BCBSND Caring Foundation and the NDSU Center for Social Research, offers key details:
As of August 2022, over 355,000 North Dakotans lived in an area with a shortage of mental health providers and support.
Counties with the largest percentage of adults reporting poor mental health are in largely rural central parts of the state and reservation areas.
The percentage of ND adults reporting two weeks or more of poor mental health each month is increasing, while the percentage of high schoolers feeling sad and hopeless doubled over the past decade.
About FirstLink
FirstLink is a free, confidential service offering listening and support, referrals to resources/help, and crisis intervention 24 hours a day. FirstLink answers the 211 Information & Referral Helpline, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and several contract lines providing support to other human service agencies. FirstLink provides these services across the entire state of North Dakota and parts of Minnesota.
FirstLink offers the Care and Support Program, a program that receives referrals from hospitals and clinics across North Dakota as well as the 211 Helpline and the 988 Lifeline. The program offers resources and coping strategies, encourages mental health treatment and provides non-judgmental listening and support. Calls are offered weekly, bi-weekly or monthly and work around your schedule. The Care and Support Program is confidential, free and voluntary.
