Blue Cross’ Engage page provides resources on mental illness, substance abuse

Consider these statistics from the National Alliance on Mental Illness:

• 9.1% of U.S. adults (47.6 million people) experienced mental illness in 2018.
• 3.7% (9.2 million) experienced a co-occurring mental illness and substance use disorder.

Increasing awareness about the prevalence of these conditions can help reduce the stigmas associated with them and put the focus where it belongs — treating people with mental illness and substance use disorder so they can live healthier, happier, more productive lives.

That’s why we want to remind you about Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan’s Engage page. It has a wealth of materials about mental health awareness and substance use disorder.

These materials were developed in conjunction with New Directions, an independent company that provides behavioral health services for many Blue Cross members.

To access the materials, go to bcbsm.com/engage and scroll down to the Mental health awareness section of the page. There you’ll find educational flyers, posters and other materials suitable for posting in your office or sharing with patients or employees. Topics include:

• Substance use education
• Substance use disorder hotline for Blue Cross members who have behavioral health services through New Directions
• Know the signs of mental illness
• What to say to someone struggling with their mental health
• Suicide facts and warning signs