During February and March home games, the Minot Minotauros made more than 160 saves in March and February. For each save, the Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota Caring Foundation donated to BIO Girls, supporting mental health programming for nearly 100 girls. This effort was part of Shut Out the Stigma, an annual effort organized by the foundation with hockey teams across the state to raise awareness and promote early support for youth mental health.

The Caring Foundation and BIO Girls also attended games to raise awareness for mental health, encourage conversations and promote resources currently available to youth looking for help with mental health.

“Hockey brings people together, and that is exactly why it is such a powerful place to talk about mental health,” said Amber Blomberg, executive director of the Caring Foundation. “We are taking a topic that can feel heavy and bringing it to a space that feels fun and familiar, so more North Dakotans feel comfortable speaking up and reaching out.”

BIO Girls programming focuses on prevention and early intervention, reaching girls before challenges escalate and equipping them with tools they can carry into adolescence and beyond.

“We are deeply grateful for the financial support and awareness this initiative has brought to our mission,” said Missy Heilman, founder and CEO of BIO Girls. “Accessibility for all girls, no matter their circumstances, is at the heart of our program, and with these funds, nearly 100 girls will be able to participate in BIO Girls at no cost, strengthening their mental health and building resilience. We also saw a meaningful spike in website traffic, a sign that this partnership is helping us reach even more families.”

In July, Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota will launch its fourth season of Strike Out the Stigma with the Minot Hot Tots, Minot Honeybees, Bismarck Larks, Badlands Big Sticks, Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks and Grand Forks Spitfires.