In 2024, CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield (CareFirst) and Children’s National Hospital (Children’s National) formed a unique payer-provider alliance to address the youth mental health crisis outlined in the 2021 U.S. Surgeon General advisory. This advisory highlighted the alarming rise in mental health challenges among young people and emphasized the urgent need for comprehensive, coordinated support.
Recognizing the critical importance of this issue, CareFirst and Children’s National are combining expertise and resources to make a meaningful impact. The partnership launched with a Pediatric Mental Health Summit, which brought together regional leaders committed to identifying and implementing actionable solutions to improve impact pediatric mental health care.
As part of this ongoing collaboration, and in response to the U.S. Surgeon General advisory highlighting the impact social media has on children and adolescents, our two organizations hosted a three-part webinar series focused on youth mental health and how parents and caregivers can support their children’s mental well-being. Each session offered practical strategies and accessible resources to help families navigate the complexities of mental health care for children and adolescents.
Social Media and Youth Mental Health
The first webinar explored the impact of social media on youth mental health. Experts shared insights on the risks associated with online platforms and offered tools to help parents and caregivers foster safe, supportive digital environments.
Speakers included:
- Dawn Moore, First Lady of Maryland
- Marc Dalton, MD, MPH, Behavioral Health Medical Director, CareFirst
- Anisha Abraham, MD, Chief of Adolescent Medicine, Children's National
- Eli Goldenberg, Youth Member, AAP Youth Advisory Council
- Bushra Rizwan, MD, Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, Kennedy Krieger Institute
- Peter Sindt, Manager of Security Awareness and Employee Engagement, Children's National
Watch the full webinar here
The 5 W’s of Children’s Mental Health
This session provided a forum for parents and caregivers to ask questions and learn more about children’s mental health care services. Topics included who can benefit from care, what mental health professionals do and how to access services.
Speakers included:
- Jamila J. Woods, Maryland State Delegate, District 26
- Kimberly Harris, Director of Community Health and Social Impact, CareFirst
- Stacie Adams, Parent Advisory Committee Member, HealthySteps
- Laura Willing, MD, Psychiatrist & Co-Director of the Anxiety Disorders Program, Children's National
- Vanessa Fuentas, PhD, Pediatric Psychiatrist, Whole Bear Care, Children's National
- James Venza, PhD, Executive Director, Adventist HealthCare, The Lourie Center for Children's Social and Emotional Wellness
Watch the full webinar here
Together We Thrive: Parental Mental Health
The final webinar focused on the importance of parental mental health and its role in supporting children. Experts shared tools and resources to help caregivers care for their own mental well-being.
Speakers included:
- Maria Maguire, MD, MPP, FAAP, Pediatric Medical Director, CareFirst
- Alexandra Corley, MD, Medical Director and Pediatrician, Children’s National; Primary Care, Shaw Metro
- Erin Sadler, PsyD, PMH-C, Clinical Psychologist, Mood Trauma Disorders Program & Early Childhood Behavioral Health Program, Children’s National
- Jennifer Floran, LICSW, LCSW-C, Clinical Social Worker, Early Childhood Behavioral Health Program and Healthy Generals Program, Children’s National
- Yetta Myrick, BA, Parent and Disability Advocate; President and Founder of DC Autism Parents
Watch the full webinar here
This initiative reflects our commitment to building healthier communities by addressing one of today’s most urgent public health challenges. By raising awareness and equipping families with the tools they need, we aim to create a supportive environment where every young person can thrive.
To learn more about how CareFirst is transforming the healthcare experience with and for those we serve, visit carefirst.com/transformation..