FARGO, N.D. – During February and March home games, the Bismarck Bobcats, Fargo Force, Minot Minotauros, and University of North Dakota Fighting Hawks made over 500 saves. For each save, the BCBSND Caring Foundation donated to BIO Girls, supporting mental health programming for nearly 100 girls. This effort was part of Shut Out the Stigma, an annual effort organized by the foundation with hockey teams across the state to raise awareness and promote early support for youth mental health.
This year, the BCBSND Caring Foundation and hockey teams supported BIO Girls, a North Dakota nonprofit focused on building confidence and emotional well-being in adolescent girls. These efforts transformed on-ice achievements into meaningful support, emphasizing the importance of early mental health care for youth throughout North Dakota. BCBSND Caring Foundation and BIO Girls also attended games to raise awareness for mental health, encourage conversations and promote resources currently available to youth looking for help with mental health.
“Hockey brings people together, and that is exactly why it is such a powerful place to talk about mental health,” said Amber Blomberg, executive director of the BCBSND Caring Foundation. “We are taking a topic that can feel heavy and bringing it to a space that feels fun and familiar, so more North Dakotans feel comfortable speaking up and reaching out.”
BIO Girls programming focuses on prevention and early intervention, reaching girls before challenges escalate and equipping them with tools they can carry into adolescence and beyond. Support from this season’s Shut Out the Stigma initiative will help expand access to these programs for girls and families across North Dakota.
"We are deeply grateful for the financial support and awareness this initiative has brought to our mission,” said Missy Heilman, founder and CEO of BIO Girls. “Accessibility for all girls, no matter their circumstances, is at the heart of our program, and with these funds, nearly 100 girls will be able to participate in BIO Girls at no cost, strengthening their mental health and building resilience. We also saw a meaningful spike in website traffic, a sign that this partnership is helping us reach even more families. Thank you, BCBSND Caring Foundation."
In July, BCBSND will launch its fourth season of Strike Out the Stigma with the Badlands Big Sticks, Bismarck Larks, Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks, Grand Forks Spitfires, Minot Hot Tots and Minot Honeybees. For every strikeout recorded during July home games, a donation will be made to a mental health nonprofit organization.
About the BCBSND Caring Foundation
Established in 1989, the BCBSND Caring Foundation is a private 501(c)(3) charitable organization. Through giving and investing, the Caring Foundation focuses on key health issues to help improve the health and well-being of North Dakotans and their communities. Caring Foundation staff collaborate with grantees to support nonprofit sustainability, promote shared outcomes, and create lasting change.
About BIO Girls
BIO Girls is a North Dakota-based nonprofit organization that empowers adolescent girls through programs that blend physical activity with mental health education. By fostering confidence, resilience, and connection, BIO Girls helps participants develop lifelong skills that support emotional well-being and healthy relationships.
