Blue Cross And Blue Shield Of Kansas City Partners With Royals To Shut Out The Stigma Around Behavioral Health

KANSAS CITY, MO (May 24, 2021) – Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City (Blue KC), the “Official Health Insurance Provider of the Kansas City Royals,” and the Kansas City Royals have launched Shut Out the Stigma, a partnership to provide support for behavioral health as a part of overall health and well-being. Launching in May, during Mental Health Awareness Month, the campaign will continue through the 2021 baseball season.

“Blue KC is dedicated to reducing the stigma around behavioral health that too often keeps people from reaching out for help. Over the last year, the number of people experiencing depression, anxiety and other behavioral health issues has increased exponentially. It’s time to start talking about our shared experiences and having empathetic conversations that encourage everyone to make behavioral health a priority,” said Jenny Housley, Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer for Blue KC. “We deeply value our partnership with the Royals who share in our mission to make Kansas City a healthier, happier place to live and recognize the importance of behavioral health in fulfilling that goal.”

The Royals and Blue KC will create awareness for specific concerns, share real-life stories from inside the organization and provide resources for those seeking help with their behavioral health. In addition, each time the Royals win a game the remainder of this season in a shutout, which means the opposing team does not score, Blue KC will donate $10,000 to support behavioral health services in the Kansas City community.

“We share a deep commitment of social responsibility to our community and its residents,” said Sarah Tourville, Chief Revenue and Innovation Officer for the Kansas City Royals. “Blue KC is an innovative partner who prioritizes cause marketing efforts. They recognize the opportunity we have to use our platforms to acknowledge and support mental health awareness.” 

The effort is launching today with a PSA featuring Royals’ broadcaster Ryan Lefebvre that will air on Royals radio and television broadcasts in partnership with Bally Sports Kansas City, social media channels and inside Kauffman Stadium. Future content will include personal stories from Royals personnel, coaches and former players. More information can be found at shutoutthestigma.com.

Blue KC and the Royals also partner on Hometown Heroes, a program honoring first responders who are advancing behavioral health conversations in our community. Ten honorees will be recognized throughout the 2021 season and their inspiring stories will be shared with the Kansas City community.

About Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City:

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City, the largest not-for-profit health insurer in Missouri and the only not-for-profit commercial health insurer in Kansas City, has been part of the Kansas City community since 1938. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City provides health coverage services to more than one million residents in the greater Kansas City area, including Johnson and Wyandotte counties in Kansas and 30 counties in Northwest Missouri. Our mission: to provide affordable access to healthcare and to improve the health of our members. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. For more information on the company, visit its website at BlueKC.com.

For additional information, members of the media may contact Christa Dubill, VP and Chief Communications Officer for Blue KC at 816-395-2746 or Christa.Dubill@BlueKC.com.