Arizona is 39th in the nation for
lives lost to suicide and 47th when it comes to access to mental healthcare.*
Our members&rsquo; health and safety is a priority for us, and we want to ensure our
members have access to behavioral health resources to support you and your
family. Not only do we have resources available to our members, but we are also
committed to making a bigger impact in the AZ community.
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Making a bigger impact
The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.azbluefoundation.org/">Blue Cross
Blue Shield of Arizona Foundation for Community &amp; Health Advancement&rsquo;s
flagship</a>&nbsp;focus for 2022 is&nbsp;<a href="https://www.azbluefoundation.org/focus-areas/mental-health-2">mental health</a>. Mental health is one of the
Foundation&rsquo;s four focus areas, including substance use disorder, chronic health
conditions, and health equity. The Foundation recently closed its very first
competitive grant opportunity for mental health. Grantees will be announced in
early June and will share $2 million in funding to address the mental health
crisis in Arizona, helping leverage their community programs to make a bigger
impact with Foundation dollars.
There&rsquo;s help, and hope
If you ever feel like you need help
coping with your feelings &ndash; fear, anxiety, grief, or others &ndash; there are
resources available. First, let your doctor know. Blue Cross Blue Shield of
Arizona (BCBSAZ) can connect you with a behavioral health provider
(psychiatrist, psychologist, behavioral therapist, or counselor)&nbsp;<a href="https://www.azblue.com/individualsandfamilies/find-a-doctor">here</a>.
Did you know eligible members can
sign up for&nbsp;<a href="https://bluecareanywhereaz.com/landing.htm">BlueCare Anywhere</a>&nbsp;at no cost? Schedule a
visit to see a licensed therapist or board-certified psychiatrist 24/7 on your
phone, tablet, or computer, at home or away. Note: Visit costs may vary by
service and health plan. BlueCare Anywhere virtual visits do not provide
emergency care. In an identified or probable emergency, the virtual visit
provider will direct the patient to seek emergency care.
More resources and crisis support
The National Institute of Mental
Health (<a href="https://www.nimh.nih.gov/">NIMH</a>)
is the lead federal agency for research on mental disorders. Visit their
website to read about anxiety disorder, autism spectrum disorder,
schizophrenia, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), bipolar disorder, and
more.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health
Services Administration (<a href="https://www.samhsa.gov/">SAMHSA</a>) is an agency within the U.S. Department
of Health and Human Services leading public health efforts to address the needs
of individuals living with mental health and substance use disorders. Visit
their website for treatment referral and information, and to locate treatment
facilities and behavioral health services in your area.
In a crisis situation, immediate help
is available by calling 1-800-273-TALK (8255), or you can visit the&nbsp;<a href="https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/">National
Suicide Prevention Lifeline</a>&nbsp;(chat feature available) to access
help for yourself or someone else.
 
*Source:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.americashealthrankings.org/explore/annual/state/AZ">America&rsquo;s Health Rankings
2021 Report</a>&nbsp;
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Blue is Here for You

While many Americans are still dealing with the effects of COVID-19, which caused a spike in stress, anxiety, and depression. More than 14% of Arizona adults stated they struggled with frequent mental distress prior to the pandemic.