PHOENIX  – The Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona Foundation for Community & Health Advancement is funding 10 grant projects totaling more than $1 million to address mental health statewide. Through these grants, organizations will work to enhance programs and offer services that address access to mental healthcare, suicide prevention, youth mental health, the intersection of mental health and substance use disorder or health equity, and the COVID-19 effect.  

“Being healthy isn't just about your physical health, but your mental health, too,” said Dr. Christine Bracamonte Wiggs, Foundation President and Board Chair. “That’s why we aim to raise awareness, remove stigma and eliminate barriers by funding organizations that help make Arizona’s communities stronger and healthier.”

The Foundation is awarding more than $1 million to the following organizations for mental health outreach in Arizona. To learn more about how each will use its grant funding to enhance its mental health outreach efforts, visit: azbluefoundation.org/grants/grantees.

• Arizona State University Foundation for a New American University - two funded projects (statewide)
• Child Crisis Arizona (Maricopa)
• Childhelp, Inc. (Maricopa)
• Friends of Navajo County Anti-Drug Coalition, Inc. Nexus Coalition (Navajo)
• Girl Scouts – Arizona Cactus-Pine Council, Inc. (Apache, Coconino, Gila, Graham, La Paz, Maricopa, Mohave, Navajo, Pinal, Yavapai)
• NotMYkid (Mohave, Pima, Pinal)
• Rosie’s House: A Music Academy for Children (Maricopa)
• Soldier’s Best Friend (Cochise, Coconino, Maricopa, Pima, Yavapai)
• Southern Arizona Association for the Visually Impaired (Maricopa, Pima)

“Behavioral health is something that affects every one of us, said Dr. Cara Christ, Chief Medical Officer at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona. “Through the Foundation, we are committed to doing our part to encourage conversation, forge connection, and make change for Arizonans.”

The Foundation focuses on key health issues impacting Arizonans including mental health, substance use disorder, chronic health conditions, and health equity. In direct response to escalating anxiety, depression, and suicide in Arizona, the Foundation’s flagship focus is mental health. In its first year of operation, the Foundation invested nearly $3 million through 88 grants in all 15 counties across the state.  

To learn more about the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona Foundation for Community & Health Advancement, visit azbluefoundation.org.

ABOUT THE BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD OF ARIZONA FOUNDATION FOR COMMUNITY & HEALTH ADVANCEMENT  

The Blue Cross^® Blue Shield^® of Arizona Foundation for Community & Health Advancement invests in the health of Arizona by tackling mental health, substance use disorder, chronic health conditions, and health equity. A 501(c)(3) private, non-operating foundation, the Foundation works in service of the public good through grant funding for programs and applied research that align with its focus areas. The Foundation is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association.  For more information, visit: azbluefoundation.org.