Lisa Helbling: Chair and Consumer Director | Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota
Lisa Helbling: Chair and Consumer Director | Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota
Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota (BCBSND) Caring Foundation has announced the recipients of its 2025 spring SPARK grants. These grants are aimed at supporting community-based initiatives that focus on health and well-being, aligning with community priorities and demonstrating potential for lasting change.
The North Dakota Autism Center (NDAC) will use its grant to enhance partnerships with schools across the state. The initiative will focus on providing specialized educational services and resources for children with autism, aiming to support their social and academic development.
Spectra Health in Grand Forks plans to expand its social services team with the help of the grant. The organization will provide on-site support for low-income patients, assisting them in navigating healthcare, housing, and social services using the PRAPARE screening tool. Additionally, Spectra Health will invest in optometry equipment and improve translation and interpretation services.
The Standing Rock Community Development Corporation (SRCDC) is set to expand health and wellness programs through its Healthy Futures Initiative. This effort targets food sovereignty, youth development, and mental health services in underserved areas. Collaboration with local schools, public health entities, and community members is expected to drive long-term health improvements.
At Turtle Mountain Reservation, the Turtle Mountain Chippewa Heritage Center's Seven Feathers Program will offer education on Indigenous regalia and powwow dance styles. The program aims to deter high-risk behaviors by engaging community members in cultural activities that promote physical activity and strengthen ties with elders and mentors.
In Fargo, the Immigrant Development Center's Refugee Behavioral Health & Wellness Program will work to improve access to culturally appropriate behavioral health services for refugee communities. The program seeks to reduce isolation among New Americans while increasing behavioral health literacy and preserving cultural identity through cross-cultural events.
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