California Physicians' Service Inc. - Blue Shield of California

03/05/2021 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 03/05/2021 05:21

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Through the work of nonprofit Wellness Together, BlueSky brings additional mental health clinicians into schools to enhance access to care. This service is available in 20 middle- and high schools, with a student body of more than 20,000 students in Oakland Unified and San Leandro Unified school districts in Alameda County, and Sweetwater Union, Oceanside Unified and Juvenile Court & Community Schools in San Diego County. Since launch, over 2,500 counseling sessions have taken place and tele-counseling sessions are available when schools are closed.

Working with the California Department of Education, Blue Shield's BlueSky program funds Youth Mental Health First Aid Training for thousands of public-school teachers and staff. By ensuring school personnel have the resources they need to support student mental health, the program reaches tens of thousands more students in classrooms across the state.

In collaboration with National Alliance on Mental Illness California (NAMI), Blue Shield of California BlueSky is supporting the expansion of student-led clubs in high schools throughout the state. NAMI on Campus clubs raise mental health awareness and reduce stigma in schools through peer-led activities, education and advocacy.

BlueSky has partnered with DoSomething.org, the largest organization for young people and social change, to further equip and empower students with the tools they need to promote positive and effective mental health within their schools, communities and, ultimately, themselves. In response to COVID-19, BlueSky is building online resources for reducing stress and anxiety while social distancing.