PROVIDENCE, RI (Feb. 26, 2024) — Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island (BCBSRI), as part of its multi-pronged effort to address the youth behavioral health crisis in Rhode Island, has granted $75,000 to The Chris Collins Foundation. The foundation, based in Rhode Island, administers school-based programs that raise awareness of mental health challenges in youth, reduce social stigma, and promote early interventions for students experiencing emotional difficulties.

The grant comes as the foundation is poised to expand its Peer-to-Peer Mental Health Awareness Program, a student-led, evidenced based initiative currently operating in 10 high schools and 5 middle schools in Rhode Island. The foundation is in the process of establishing the program at another 6 schools, positively impacting more than 10,000 students across the state.

“The Chris Collins Foundation is doing remarkable work in our schools to reduce the stigma of mental illness and encourage kids who are struggling to seek help. At a time when there are not enough mental health professionals to support all kids who need help, this peer-to-peer program harnesses the power of kids to normalize mental health conversations,” said Martha L. Wofford, president and CEO of BCBSRI. “Our grant will help more students benefit from the foundation’s program as part of our efforts to expand access to mental health treatment and evidence-based school and community programs.”

The grant was announced at BCBSRI’s annual all-associate summit on Jan. 30, during which foundation founder Mark Collins was invited to take the stage for a panel discussion on youth mental health. He was joined by keynote speaker and child and adolescent psychiatric expert Henry T. Sachs III, MD, president of Bradley Hospital, and Sarah Fleury, BCBSRI managing director for behavioral health.

Collins’ son, Chris, attended South Kingstown schools and died by suicide at 20 after struggling for several years with anxiety and depression. “Chris was open about his illness and was a tremendous support to others who were struggling,” said Mark Collins. His family established the foundation in his name to continue his selfless legacy of care and concern for others. Understanding that the middle school and high school years are when signs of mental health challenges often first emerge, the foundation partnered with the University of Michigan Depression Center to bring its evidence-based, student-led Peer-to-Peer program to Rhode Island. The program, based on the idea that teens are more likely to listen to other teens than to well-meaning adults, emphasizes fighting stigma and seeking help when needed. 

 “This grant will help us to continue expanding this essential Peer-to-Peer program to more schools in Rhode Island and spread the message that it’s okay to share that you are struggling and to get the help you need. Chris’ love for his family and friends was endless. Anyone who met him felt heard and seen. All this lives on through his foundation,” Collins said. “We commend Blue Cross & Blue Shield for stepping up to play an active role in responding to the state’s youth mental health crisis and we’re grateful for its generous gift.”

BCBSRI is working comprehensively to address youth mental health in Rhode Island, with a goal of positively impacting the behavioral health of 110,000 children and adolescents from 2023-2025. Efforts include:

• Committing to invest $1.06 million to Rhode Island Student Assistance Services (RISAS) to support its school-based substance abuse prevention and mental health program, Project SUCCESS.
• Expanding funding for urgent access appointments
• Partnering to train providers in evidence-based care
• Embedding community health workers in PCP offices
• Training youth organizations in mental health first aid
• Enhancing access to care by partnering with virtual care providers
• Producing a new parent’s guide to mental healthcare in Rhode Island, “Finding Help for Kids and Teens.”

More information about the Chris Collins Foundation can be found on its website. To learn how BCBSRI supports children and families dealing with mental health challenges, visit this resource guide.