Submitted Photo Dani Speer, Communications Project partner, and Amber Blomberg, executive director of the Caring Foundation at Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota, provide information on Shut Out the Stigma at a Minotauros game this past season to address the critical issue of mental health in North Dakota. Photo from BCBSND Caring Foundation.

FARGO – From rink to recovery, the Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota Caring Foundation skated toward mental wellness this winter in partnership with hockey teams from across the state.

The Caring Foundation’s Shut Out the Stigma partnered with FirstLink for mental health services. This partnership raised enough funds to support more than 750 lifesaving calls this season, according to the foundation.

The BCBSND Caring Foundation announced in a news release that it will begin its third annual Strike Out the Stigma campaign in partnership with baseball teams that include Minot Honey Bees and Minot Hot Tots. Strike Out the Stigma proceeds benefit the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

The 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.

“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, in the release. “This generous donation will directly support our mission of connecting those in need with the help and hope they deserve.”

“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.”