FARGO, N.D. Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota (BCBSND) Caring Foundation is teaming up with the Badlands Big Sticks, Bismarck Bobcats, Minot Hot Tots and Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks to Strike Out the Stigma of accessing mental health services. For every strikeout thrown at July home games by these teams, the Foundation will donate $50 to Nexus-PATH Family Healing. All donations will be given directly to Nexus-PATH Family Healing to support their services.
“We are incredibly thankful to partner with the BCBSND Caring Foundation for Strike Out the Stigma. Nexus-PATH Family Healing is on a mission to change the course of a child’s life by stabilizing families through filling the gap in mental health services across North Dakota. Strike Out the Stigma not only supports our mission and efforts but also helps provide children and families across the state access to individualized mental health care,” said Kate Coughlin, executive director of Nexus-PATH Family Healing.
The BCBSND Caring Foundation and Nexus-PATH Family Healing encourage community members to do their part by having open conversations about mental health. A list of helpful tips to start the conversation and other resources can be found at www.bcbsnd.com/strikeout and www.nexusfamilyhealing.org.
“We’re excited for another year of our Strike Out the Stigma initiative with our regional North Dakota baseball teams and Nexus-PATH Family Healing,” said Amber Blomberg, BCBSND Caring Foundation executive director. “These partners are incredible advocates for the health and well-being of our communities and we’re so thankful to partner with them.”
Letters of intent for Fall 2024 SPARK Grants due by Wednesday, July 31
Another initiative the BCBSND Caring Foundation is promoting are the Fall 2024 SPARK grants. The Foundation is accepting letters of intent for these grants from Monday, July 1 through Wednesday, July 31. The Strengthening People Access Resources Knowledge (SPARK) grant program gives one-year grants annually of up to $50,000 for community initiatives that support health, wellness and prevention.
The first step in the grant application process is to send a letter of intent by 5 p.m. (CT), Wednesday, July 31 for the fall funding cycle. Eligible organizations must be North Dakota based 501(c)(3) nonprofits, municipal entities (i.e., park boards, public health) or school systems. The Foundation will invite organizations it selects from the letters to apply in the second step. The application process, a sample letter of intent and previous recipients can be found at www.bcbsnd.com/spark.
About the Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota 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 non-profit sustainability, promote shared outcomes and create lasting change.
About Nexus-PATH Family Healing
With their innovative, customized approach, Nexus-PATH Family Healing provides outpatient therapy, residential treatment and foster care to help children, families and individuals struggling with emotional and behavioral health issues through their nine North Dakota locations.
