Stop the mental health stigma campaign

MINOT, ND (KXNET) — A local group is trying to raise awareness about mental health in one fell swoop.

Blue Cross Blue Shield North Dakota employees are partnering with the Minot Hot Tots for the second annual Strike Out the Stigma campaign, starting today, Friday, and running through July.

The ceremonial first pitch of the game was thrown out by Amber Blomberg, CEO of Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota. She says the insurance company will donate $50 to Nexus Path Family Healing for every strikeout the Hot Tots have in home games this season.

The organization focuses on healing local youth and families, and leaders hope this campaign will provide everyone with a sense of security in their mental health journey.

“Removing the stigma means showing people that it’s okay not to be okay,” Bloomberg explains, “and that there are resources and programs that can help individuals.”

Last year they struck out 290 players this season and hope to break that record this year.

The Hot Tots’ next home game is tonight at 6:35 p.m. against the Badlands Big Sticks.