In the northeastern corner of North Dakota, four school districts will receive $24,000 in funding from a collaboration between three hockey teams: the Bismarck Bobcats, UND Fighting Hawks, and Fargo Force. The money will be used to implement mental health services and curriculum as part of the Sources of Strength program.
Executive Director Amber Blomberg of the BCBSND Caring Foundation emphasized the importance of providing tools for both youth and adults to successfully navigate life’s challenges. Sources of Strength aims to empower individuals to overcome adversity and build resilience by teaching students that everyone faces challenges and providing them with strategies to cope effectively. By promoting mental health awareness and education, the program hopes to spread mental health research and curriculum in rural areas of the state.