In the News: Blue Shield’s Blue Sky Youth Mental Health Initiative Featured in the Modern Medicaid Alliance Blog | California Blue Shield

While the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated mental illnesses in children nationwide, research indicates a growing prevalence of mental illnesses among adolescents even before the pandemic.

Blue Shield of California helps increase access, awareness and advocacy for mental health support for young Californians through our BlueSky Initiative, which is featured in the Modern Medicaid Alliance blog.

BlueSky’s program includes access to middle and high school clinicians, training educators to spot signs of mental health issues, empowering students with culturally affirming mental health support resources, and supporting the development of career of professionals pursuing a career in mental health.

“[BlueSky is] a new model of collaboration between school districts, nonprofit organizations and a managed care plan that addresses the mental health needs of young people in the communities we serve and gives them tools to build resilience, regardless of their insurance eligibility,” said Kristen Cerf, President and CEO of Blue Shield Promise Health Plan.

Read the full Modern Medicaid Alliance story, published March 21, here.