Blue Shield of California Grants $125,000 to Support Youth Mental Health Initiatives in Oakland

Blue Shield of California has awarded $125,000 to five nonprofit organizations in Oakland as part of its annual Stand for What’s Right Awards. This initiative, conducted in partnership with Oakland Thrives, aims to enhance youth mental health and wellness in the community. The funding comes amid findings from Blue Shield’s recent BlueSky Youth Mental Health Survey, which indicates that 94% of California youth face mental health challenges in an average month.

Community leaders and the honored nonprofits gathered at the East Bay Community Foundation to celebrate the recipients. Perry Chen, Director of Partnerships and Programs at Blue Shield, emphasized the mental health struggles faced by the youth across California, noting that one in five Blue Shield members are under 18. He stated, "With the alarming statistics from our survey, we’re proud to support community organizations in Oakland that are dedicated to helping young people thrive."

The Stand for What’s Right Awards align with Blue Shield's ongoing commitment to youth mental health through its BlueSky initiative. The survey, conducted by BlueSky and Children Now with 750 California youth aged 14 to 25, highlighted not only the prevalence of mental health challenges but also significant disparities, particularly among youth of color.

Chen highlighted the urgent need for increased support, saying, "These challenges aren’t experienced equally across communities," and stressed the importance of expanding access to behavioral health services and fostering community-led solutions.

The recipients of the 2026 Stand for What’s Right Awards include:

- **Chappell Hayes Health Center at McClymonds High School**: Operated by UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital, it provides health education and prevention services.

- **Roosevelt Health Center at Roosevelt Middle School**: Operated by La Clinica de la Raza, it connects youth to health screenings and behavioral health services.

- **Seven Generations School-Based Health Center at Skyline High School**: Managed by the Native American Health Center, it offers trauma-informed behavioral health support groups.

- **SHOP 55 Wellness Center at Oakland High School**: Operated by the East Bay Asian Youth Center, it features peer mentoring programs for students.

- **Youth Uprising/Castlemont Health Center at Castlemont High School**: Also managed by UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital, it provides support specifically for LGBTQIA+ youth.

Saun-Toy Trotter, Clinical Director at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital, expressed that the award affirms the importance of partnerships in fostering healing and health within communities. He stated, "This support will strengthen our ability to provide accessible, integrated care and safe spaces for students, ensuring there is no wrong door when a young person needs help."

Blue Shield's BlueSky initiative aims to promote emotional well-being for California youth. Since its inception in 2019, it has supported over 33,000 youth and educators through mental health services, advocacy programs, and educator training.

Dr. Kyla Johnson-Trammell, CEO of Oakland Thrives, affirmed Blue Shield's investment in community-based solutions that improve behavioral health for young people and families. She stated, "These awards reflect our shared vision for healthier communities."

For more information on Blue Shield of California's community commitments, visit their website.