Blue Shield of California’s BlueSky Youth Mental Health Initiative Earns National North Star Award
by Laine HimmelmannBlue Shield of California’sBlueSky youth mental health initiativehas received the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association’s prestigious2026 North Star Awardin the Healthier Lives for Members and. . .
’sBlueSky youth mental health initiativehas received the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association’s prestigious2026 North Star Awardin the Healthier Lives for Members and Local Communities category, recognizing itsefforts to expandyouth mental health support across California. The North Star Awards honor outstanding programs and initiatives across the Blue Cross and Blue Shield system that create meaningful impact for members and local communities. “Strong mental health begins in childhood and lays the foundation for lifelong well-being,” said Mike Stuart, president and CEO of Blue Shield of California. “Nearly1 in 4U. S. adults have experienced a mental illness in the past year. Mental health challenges can increase the risk of chronic disease and poorer health outcomes later in life, which is why investing in youth mental health is one of the most important ways we can improve the long-term health of our communities. We’re honored to receive this recognition and proud to work alongside schools, community organizations, educators, and young people to expand access to care and help more Californians thrive. ”Blue Shield launched BlueSky in 2019 after California received a D grade in youth mental health fromChildren Now, a nonprofit dedicated to children’s public policy issues. Since then, the BlueSky initiative has grown into a statewide effort focused on improving emotional well-being for young people through school-based and virtual mental health services, educator training, and youth-led advocacy programs, particularly in underserved communities. The need remains urgent. Blue Shield’s 2025BlueSky Youth Mental Health Surveyfound that 94% of California Gen Z youth report regularly struggling with mental health challenges. “The mental health challenges facing California’s youth demand action from all of us,” said Dr. Deneen Vojta, executive vice president of Healthcare Quality and Affordability at Blue Shield of California. “Through BlueSky, we’re connecting young people to care sooner by meeting them where they are, equipping trusted adults with the tools to respond, and making sure youth voices help shape solutions. That’s how we create lasting change. ”Since its launch, BlueSky has:Supported more than 30,000 youth and educators through on-campus and online mental health services, educator training, and youth-driven advocacy programsDelivered 30,543 individual, family, group, and crisis‑intervention therapy sessions through its collaboration with nonprofitWellness TogetherTrained more than 9,000 educators and caring adults in Youth Mental Health First Aid in partnership with theCalifornia Department of Education,with 95% reporting confidence in supporting youth in distressHelped expand the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) California’s youth‑led mental health club network to more than 170 clubs statewide, empowering thousands of students to reduce stigma, build peer support, and raise awareness of mental health resourcesA cornerstone of BlueSky is its commitment to youth leadership. Through school clubs, advocacy programs, and statewide engagement opportunities, young people help shape program priorities, outreach efforts, and emerging mental health solutions. Blue Shield is also a recurring sponsor ofNAMI California’s Youth Advocacy Day, which brings hundreds of students to the State Capitol each year to engage policymakers and advocate for stronger youth mental health support. “The success of BlueSky is deeply rooted in the voices of the young people it serves,” said Frank Caporusso, senior vice president of Healthcare Quality and Affordability Operations at Blue Shield of California. “By listening to youth and our members, we’re able to design behavioral health programs that respond to real needs. We are proud of what BlueSky has accomplished so far, and we’re committed to continuing this work so more young people have the support and resources they need to thrive. ”The national North Star Award recognition highlights BlueSky's collaborative, community-based approach to addressing the youth mental health crisis by bringing together schools, nonprofits, educators, and young people themselves. Learn more about BlueSky atBlueSky. BlueShieldCA. comWatch this video to hear directly from California youth about BlueSky’s impact.