Independence Blue Cross is working with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Philadelphia to address the growing youth mental health crisis as part of a national Blue Cross Blue Shield Association (BCBSA) initiative.

Nationally, the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association is investing more than $10 million over four years to help Boys & Girls Clubs of America implement trauma-informed practices in its more than 5,000 clubs by 2026, training 48,000-plus staff to better support the emotional and mental well-being of more 3.6 million children served by clubs.

Locally, Boys & Girls Clubs of Philadelphia team members are receiving access to training and resources to help them in their day-to-day work and programming, ensuring that the children they are serving feel safe, supported, and able to manage through adversity.

While the COVID-19 pandemic advanced the mental health crisis, trauma, isolation, and other societal factors are increasingly impacting youth mental health at staggering rates. BCBSA research finds that diagnosed rates of anxiety among those 13 to 18 years of age have steadily risen between 2017 and 2021, and rates of ADHD and depression have grown roughly 50 to 60 percent during the same period.

“At Independence Blue Cross, we believe in the importance of equitable, whole-person health,” said Courtney McDade, IBX’s Director of Public Affairs Programs. “Our partnership with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Philadelphia focuses on youth mental health and well-being and is helping to create a foundation for a healthier, more resilient future for our youth.”

To strengthen this partnership, IBX also engages with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Philadelphia through the Blue Crew, the company’s corporate volunteer program. These in-person volunteer opportunities, such as a recent Field Day event in Germantown, promote well-being for the youth served by Boys and Girls Clubs of Philadelphia while offering meaningful engagement opportunities for IBX employees.

“We are grateful for our work with Independence Blue Cross,” said Libby Lescalleet, Executive Vice President of Programs, Partnerships, and Development at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Philadelphia. “Our collaboration is more than just a program. It’s a comprehensive effort to build a healthier, more resilient generation of young Philadelphians.”

Operating in 22 locations throughout the city, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Philadelphia helps more than 10,000 young people, including those who may need it most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.

Learn more about how Independence Blue Cross strives for its members’ health and wellness by giving them the resources they need to live every day better.