In 2021, BCBSNM provided a $50,000 grant to EVERFI, a leading education technology innovator, to provide a mental health education program to middle and high school students across the state. The grant provides New Mexico schools with a no-cost digital Mental Wellness Basics course that walks students through an introduction to mental health, healthy coping strategies, and how to get help for themselves and their peers. BCBSNM has funded this program since 2019. As of Sept. 2021, more than 1,668 students at 28 schools have received the education, representing over 1,100 hours of learning on Mental Wellness Basics.
BCBSNM also funded an additional $30,000 this year to EVERFI for a Mental Wellness Education program that will provide New Mexico educators with access to a digital platform featuring resources and education on how to support their mental well-being. This program, called Elevate for Educators, supports the mental health of teachers, who continue to face unique challenges in the wake of the coronavirus crisis.
“New Mexico students and teachers have faces so many challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and EVERFI has been instrumental in ensuring that parents, students and teachers have the tools and education to address mental health needs,” said Janice Torrez, BCBSNM president. “We are working closely with EVERFI to provide these resources directly to teachers and students while expanding mental health resources in our communities.”
EVERFI’s Mental Wellness Basics course is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to build, maintain, and promote positive mental health in themselves and their peers. The course educates students on mental health issues by exposing them to the experiences of others in order to develop awareness and empathy, reduce stigma and provide facts on the prevalence and symptoms of mental health conditions. Students also have the opportunity to explore their own mental health, identify challenges they may face and develop concrete strategies for managing those challenges, while increasing their awareness of resources and empowering them with the knowledge, skills, and language necessary to identify and support a peer in need or at risk.
Launched in 2021, Elevate for Educators covers seven important topics, including Mental Well-Being for Educators, Managing Mental Health Challenges, Mindful Living, Developing Coping Skills, Supporting a Friend or Loved One, Building Strengths and Motivation, and Strategies for Stress Management. The course provides educators with on-demand content related to their unique mental health needs. Elevate for Educators modules translate evidence-based best practices for mental well-being into actionable, just-in-time learning solutions for a teacher or academic administrator.
To learn more about EVERFI and the resources available, visit everfi.com. If you are interested in bringing this resource to your New Mexico school, contact Mariana Biagioni of EVERFI at mariana@everfi.com.
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About Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico is one of the largest commercial health insurers in New Mexico with 680,000 New Mexicans carrying a Blue Cross and Blue Shield card. Since 1940, BCBSNM has been committed to promoting the health and wellness of its members and communities through accessible, cost-effective, quality health care. BCBSNM is a Division of Health Care Service Corporation, the country’s largest customer-owned health insurer. Health Care Service Corporation is a Mutual Legal Reserve Company and an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.
About EVERFI, Inc.
EVERFI is an international technology company driving social change through education to address the most challenging issues affecting society ranging from financial wellness to prescription drug safety to workplace conduct and other critical topics. Founded in 2008, EVERFI is fueled by its Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) community engagement platform and has reached more than 30 million learners globally. EVERFI powers community engagement in a sustained manner to empower individuals and organizations to make an impact within their communities. The Company also convenes to bring together financial institutions, colleges and universities, and some of the largest corporations to leverage insights and connections to drive impact. Some of America's leading CEOs and venture capital firms are EVERFI investors including Amazon founder and CEO Jeff Bezos, Google Chairman Eric Schmidt, Twitter founder Evan Williams, Advance Publications, Rethink Education, and Rethink Impact.