BCBSND’s Shut Out the Stigma: A Season Full of Impact and Hope

Shut Out the Stigma campaign closes with significant support raised for FirstLink’s initiative.

FARGO, N.D 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.

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 FirstLink
In 2003, following large milestones in community crisis intervention and support services, FirstLink was established to provide a lifeline for individuals in need. Recognizing the urgent need to move beyond reactive measures, FirstLink's founders envisioned a proactive approach to mental health and crisis support. Their mission was to create a resource that offered immediate, confidential assistance, connecting people with the help and hope they deserve, 24 hours a day. Today, they do just that. Answering the 211 Information & Referral Helpline, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, and several contract lines providing support to other human service agencies.