Premera announces $595K in grants for behavioral health nonprofits

Mountlake Terrace-based Premera Blue Cross through its Premera Social Impact program announced $595,000 in grants made to six nonprofit organizations across Washington to support behavioral health solutions, particularly in underserved communities. According to studies by the National Institute of Mental Health, approximately 1 in 5 adults in the U.S. experiences mental illness in a given year, and approximately 1 in 5 youths aged 13 to 18 have experienced a severe mental disorder at some point during their life. “Behavioral health is an issue we all need to address together by reducing the stigma around the conditions and providing access to care,” said Paul Hollie, who leads Premera Social Impact. “These programs strive to make a difference in the lives of individuals and families in their communities.