ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Children’s Grief Center of New Mexico announced today that it received a $10,000 grant from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico’s (BCBSNM) Healthy Kids, Healthy Families® initiative. The grant will support Children’s Grief Center of New Mexico’s Bereavement Support Programs for Children, Youth and Families, which provide some of our state’s most vulnerable children and families with important support and resources after a loved one’s death.
There is a severe lack of resources for grieving children; when their needs are left unaddressed, they become five times more likely to die by suicide (U.S. Census Bureau); nine times more likely to drop out of high school (National Principals Association); 10 times more likely to engage in substance abuse (Rainbows for All God’s Children); and 20 times more likely to develop behavioral disorders (CDC). Grieving young people and their caregivers need access to trauma-informed resources and support. The Children’s Grief Center has been providing this type of care for over two decades at no cost.
“Our partnership with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico, through their Healthy Kids, Healthy Families initiative, plays an important role in allowing the Children’s Grief Center’s important programs to be available at no cost to the children and families that come to us after a death,” said Jorie Weyer, Children’s Grief Center development and outreach associate.
“At Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico, a key priority for our community investments is to increase access to mental health care and resources for New Mexicans,” said Janice Torrez, BCBSNM president. “The grief support and workshops provided by the Children’s Grief Center help to improve behavioral health outcomes for bereaved children and families.”
BCBSNM’s Healthy Kids, Healthy Families grant initiative is part of an ongoing commitment to invest in and partner with nonprofit organizations that offer sustainable, measurable programs in nutrition, physical activity, disease prevention and management, and supporting safe environments. Children’s Grief Center of New Mexico’s commitment to provide compassionate and safe support, understanding, healing, and hope to the grieving community aligns with the vision of Healthy Kids, Healthy Families to improve the health of children and their families across New Mexico.