FARGO, N.D. — A winter initiative that combined sports and mental wellness is now stepping up to the plate this spring, as the Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota (BCBSND) Caring Foundation expands its seasonal mental health awareness efforts.
After wrapping up its second successful season of Shut Out the Stigma, a mental health campaign aligned with North Dakota’s hockey community, the BCBSND Caring Foundation is now launching the Strike Out the Stigma campaign. This springtime effort partners with baseball teams across the state, including the Minot Honey Bees and Minot Hot Tots, to raise awareness and funds in support of mental health services.
Proceeds from Strike Out the Stigma will benefit the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, continuing the foundation’s year-round commitment to addressing the mental health crisis.
From Saves to Support
The winter installment of Shut Out the Stigma ended in March, marking the conclusion of its second season. The initiative brought together teams such as the Bismarck Bobcats, Fargo Force, Minot Minotauros, and the University of North Dakota Fighting Hawks to promote mental health awareness and raise funds. For every save made by participating goaltenders, the Caring Foundation pledged a donation to FirstLink — a local nonprofit that connects individuals in crisis to vital mental health resources.
“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, executive director of FirstLink. “This generous donation will directly support our mission of connecting those in need with the help and hope they deserve.”
The season’s efforts raised enough funds to support more than 750 crisis interventions, according to a statement from the foundation.
Expanding the Playbook
“Mental health is a critical issue that affects us all,” said Amber Blomberg, executive director of the BCBSND Caring Foundation. “Through this initiative, we aim to bring much-needed awareness and support to this cause. By partnering with FirstLink and our local hockey teams, it allowed us to make a meaningful impact in our community as well.”
Blomberg noted that extending the campaign to the baseball field is part of a broader strategy to maintain momentum throughout the year and to reach different audiences.
“Together, we are not only raising funds but also fostering a culture of openness and support around mental health,” she added.
A Community United
As Strike Out the Stigma prepares for its third season, organizers are optimistic that the spring campaign will build upon the momentum and community engagement seen during the winter months.
Both campaigns reflect a growing recognition that mental health concerns do not take seasons off—and that proactive, visible efforts like these can help save lives.
