Improving behavioral health access requires sustained investment, trusted partnerships and a deep understanding of community needs. In the second year of CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield’s (CareFirst) behavioral health grants, organizations across the region, including many serving communities in Washington, D.C., continued to deliver targeted support, expand services and strengthen systems that make care more accessible for youth and families.
Through collaboration with 19 grantees, the initiative builds on early progress by investing in community-based solutions and creating a stronger foundation for behavioral health where it’s needed most.
Improving Access for At-Risk Youth
More than 18,500 youth received behavioral health services through school-based programming, clinical care, peer support and screenings. Over 6,900 youth were screened for unmet behavioral health needs, and almost 1,600 showed improved behavioral health outcomes, demonstrating that early, community-driven support is driving a measurable difference.
In the District, Sasha Bruce Youthwork delivered nearly 1,500 hours of group and individual therapy across six residential programs, connecting all participating youth to follow-up services and continued care.
Strengthening the Behavioral Health Workforce
A trained and supported workforce is essential to sustaining access to care. At the Enoch Pratt Free Library, in collaboration with Healing City Baltimore and the Maryland Peer Advisory Council, 24 certified peer navigators provided more than 6,000 hours of support and programming, helping 1,600+ individuals navigate services and connect with care.
Driving Regional Results Through Local Partnerships
Grantee organizations demonstrated strong performance across key priority areas:
- School and caregiver-based programming expanded to reach more families.
- Screening and referral pathways were strengthened.
- Training efforts expanded the peer support and provider pipeline.
Many of these advances occurred in Washington, D.C., where community organizations are embedded in the wards they serve, delivering care that is trusted, timely and culturally responsive.
In the second year of the grants:
new behavioral health providers were hired
individuals were trained to deliver behavioral health interventions
Looking Ahead
The nearly $8 million investment committed over three years reflects CareFirst’s ongoing dedication to advancing behavioral health care and access. In Washington, D.C., where health disparities and provider shortages remain pressing, this work is driving real outcomes for youth, families and communities.
As the initiative moves into its final year, efforts will continue to focus on scaling proven approaches, deepening community partnerships and reinforcing the systems that make long-term behavioral health care possible.