By DJ Harding
Embarking on the second year of a three year partnership the Connecticut Sun, Anthem Blue Cross, and Blue Shield Connecticut ( Which is the Sun’s official health insurance partner) are teaming up to support the whole health needs of individuals across the state.
As part of this partnership, Anthem will join the Sun at numerous events and initiatives with the goal of enhancing access to mental health and preventive care resources throughout the Sun’s 2023 campaign.
When speaking on this partnership, Anthem and Blue Shield President Lou Gianquino said “Whole health is more than just accessing care when you’re sick – it encompasses your physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being. That’s why Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is committed to improving access to preventive and mental health care and raising awareness about available care resources. We’re thrilled to continue working with the Connecticut Sun on this important mission to support the whole health needs of people across the state.”
The Connecticut Sun and Anthem will use the Sun’s platform of basketball to open fans and players minds to resources to help better take care of their mental health as well as the importance of preventive mental health visits with public service announcements.
Another part of this effort will be the “Anthem and One” in-game initiative which some players will take part in as every-and-one that happens by a Connecticut Sun player during a home game Anthem will donate $100 to be invested into local community organizations who are currently tackling the mental health crisis.
Also, through the Connecticut Sun Foundation, the goal is to raise $5,000 for local mental health programs.
Morgan Tuck, the Connecticut Sun’s Director of Franchise Development and assistant General Manager said “”We are really excited to be able to put on an initiative like this, one of the Connecticut Sun’s main goals off the court and in the community is to highlight, encourage, and advocate for health equity; and mental health plays such a large role in overall health and maternal health. Additionally, Connecticut Sun players will receive world-class mental strength training thanks to Anthem’s investment in the Sun. We are looking forward to the impact we will make together with Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield.”
In addition to “Anthem And One,” Anthem will also be the presenting sponsor of a theme night and several other initiatives during the 2023 season—A Night of DistinCTion on June 8th at 7:00 PM EST against the Las Vegas Aces, where the Sun will be honoring New England sports legends; the Connecticut Sun’s Community Garden Events, a season-long giveback campaign raising awareness for food insecurity needs in the state of Connecticut, running throughout the summer; and a player development series of mental health workshops focused on sports psychology for Connecticut Sun players.
To begin the events and activities for the 2023 season, the Connecticut Sun will host a Leadership Chalk Talk on March 14th from 4:00 to 5:15 PM. The panel includes Connecticut Sun sideline reporter Terrika Foster-Brasby, Connecticut Sun President, Jen Rizzotti, Morgan Tuck, and Lou Gianquinto, the last two who I mentioned earlier. These four will discuss the Sun’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Game Plan
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