Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC) is committed to improving the health and well-being of all North Carolinians. And that starts with addressing whole-person care. That means bridging the gap between primary care doctors and behavioral health specialists, increasing access to care in medical deserts across the state and working with organizations dedicated to improving behavioral health outcomes.
Out of North Carolina's 100 counties, 94 are considered mental health professional shortage areas1 and 61 have no child and adolescent psychiatrist.2 These gaps are disproportionately affecting rural and historically underserved communities across the state.
Our goal is to improve access to behavioral health care in these communities by 25% in five years.
What is our Behavioral Health Request for Proposal (RFP) Initiative?
Blue Cross NC accepted proposals from organizations across the state committed to expanding provider reach and improving behavioral health care in rural and underserved communities. We are investing in strategies that guarantee access to high-quality, evidence-based treatment for both adults and children with behavioral health disorders across the state – especially in communities that currently have limited access to these services.
We looked for strategies and proposals that outline access to behavioral health care like:
- Prevention
- Early intervention
- Treatment
- Recovery support
- Community-based interventions in outpatient settings
Blue Cross NC is investing approximately $1 million, and awarded applicants can receive up to $200,000 for their programs, strategies and initiatives.
Learn More About the 11 Funding Recipients
El Futuro, Inc.
El Futuro is a community-based program founded to meet the otherwise unmet need for bilingual mental health services for the growing Latino immigrant community in North Carolina.
Foundation for Health Leadership & Innovation
FHLI develops and supports innovative partnerships that build a healthier North Carolina through collaboration and respect.
NC Association of Free & Charitable Clinics
NCAFCC is comprised of 73 member clinics and 88 clinic sites throughout NC that provide quality care and improve the health and well-being of the uninsured and underinsured in North Carolina.
Reintegration Support Network
RSN provides youth ages 13-24 who have challenges related to substance use, mental health and/or justice involvement with a sense of belonging, the skills and capacities for self-advocacy, healthy relationships, and positive engagement in the community.
North Carolina Central University
NCCU develops students of character through rigorous academic training and a commitment to public service, in preparation for the global marketplace.
Youth Villages
Youth Villages provides help for children and young people who face a wide range of emotional, mental and behavioral problems.
UNC Health Southeastern
UNC Health Southeastern is a comprehensive healthcare system that offers an array of services to residents in southeastern North Carolina
Centro Unido Latino Americano
CULA serves the rural community of McDowell County and surrounding areas, providing community resources and assisting Latinx residents with overcoming common barriers that can obstruct their livelihood.
Charlotte Community Health Clinic
CCHC is a community health center that provides children and adults with medical, dental, and behavioral health services.
Catawba Valley Health
CVH supports healthier communities by providing a wide range of whole-person healthcare that integrates physical and mental health.
Opportunities Industrialization Center of Rocky Mount
OIC is a sustainable approach to workforce development and through integrated programs, OIC offers an academy, employer engagement opportunities, and medical services.
Blue Cross NC is prioritizing outpatient initiatives focused in the categories listed below:
- Evidence-based psychotherapeutic interventions for underserved children and youth
- Interventions that close gaps in the existing continuum of care through peer support or other care coordination efforts
- Interventions that increase the pool of providers available in underserved communities
- Interventions that increase the number of Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) behavioral health providers
- Interventions that enhance collaboration between the health care system and other service areas such as the Department of Social Services (DSS) or the school system
- Interventions that drive access to behavioral health through integrated care across the lifespan
This application is closed. Join our mailing list to stay up to date on current program news, including application dates and deadlines for future opportunities.
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