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$2 million investment made to programs that focus on anti-violence and mental health

CHICAGO — Since 2021, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois has invested $2 million in Project sWish Chicago, a community-based program that provides safe, healing and empowering spaces for young men and women. The investment helps PSC provide positive alternatives for youth and young adults in Chicago’s high-need neighborhoods while also addressing needs for mental health support, anti-gun violence programs, community engagement activities and future-life planning resources.

“We provide a safe environment for young men and women to play, learn and gain exposure to role models, and give a purpose to their time and energy,” said Project sWish Chicago Founder McKinley Nelson. “Our program is one of several efforts that have reduced crime by as much as a third in the communities we serve, so the impact of our work is clear.”

Project sWish Chicago hosts events such as basketball leagues, yoga sessions, art therapy workshops and intergenerational activities. It operates in ZIP codes identified targeted for interventions. The goal is to create safe environments that promote mental wellness, physical fitness, emotional growth, workforce development and exposure to future career and educational opportunities.

“A person’s wellbeing is heavily dependent on their mental health,” said Dr. Tom Allen, Executive Medical Director for Behavioral Health at BCBSIL. “By joining forces with PSC, we can help address some of the most prevalent issues affecting our Medicaid population and provide a safe place for Chicago’s youth to heal and grow.”

PSC operates in nine high-need communities serving more than 200 young men weekly. According to PSC, nearly 95% of participants reported adopting healthier coping strategies and improved mental health after engaging in its programming. 

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About Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois is the largest health insurer in Illinois, serving 9 million members and operating in all 102 Illinois counties. BCBSIL is a division of Health Care Service Corporation, a Mutual Legal Reserve Company and an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois has invested more than $10 million this year to expand school-based mental health services, launch referral pilots with community partners to address health-related needs, and expand care options to avoid costly behavioral health related admissions. Learn more at bcbsil.com and follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn.

About Project sWish Chicago
At Project sWish Chicago, our mission is to unite communities by providing a safe, supportive environment that fosters physical and mental wellness and promotes healing. For more information on Project sWish Chicago, please contact McKinley Nelson, Founder, at McKinley@projectswishchicago.com via phone at 312-874-0434. Visit our website at projectswishchicago.com and follow us on social media @projectswishchicago.com

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Tricia Ament
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