Arkansas Blue Cross investing $5M in enhancing BH care in the state

Abstract

The charitable arm of Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield is investing more than $5 million in enhancing behavioral health services across the state. The insurer said the Blue & You Foundation is making $5.29 million in grants available for these efforts, which will be concentrated in eight programs that aim to address the “growing behavioral health crisis in the state,” Fierce Healthcare reported July 19. The slate of programs addresses behavioral health needs impacting people of all ages, from early childhood to adolescence to adulthood, according to the announcement. The funds will go toward growing the number of behavioral health professionals working in the state. “We believe that addressing the behavioral healthcare needs of our state requires collaboration with local organizations that have demonstrated success in increasing access, improving outcomes and reducing stigma,” said Curtis Barnett, president and CEO of Arkansas Blue Cross, in a statement. The funds will be used, for example, for the Arkansas chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, which will receive $105,000 to grow its work to expand mental health services and reduce the stigma around seeking behavioral health care. The University of Arkansas and University of Arkansas at Little Rock will split $1.735 million, which will be used to enhance their Master of Social Work programs.