Highmark, Bills celebrate mental health advocates as community hero at playoff game

Buffalo, N.Y. (January 18, 2024) — Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield and the Buffalo Bills celebrated Mental Health Advocates of WNY, as the Highmark Community Hero during Monday’s playoff game versus the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Mental Health Advocates of WNY has been serving the mental health needs of our community for more than 60 years, providing essential non-clinical services that address the needs of individuals and families impacted by mental illness.

Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield and Mental Health Advocates of WNY, as long-time partners, recently developed #weareHOPE, a collaborative effort to address the mental health needs of the community following multiple traumatic events in Buffalo over the last several years.

As part of the initiative, the coalition of partners created a mental health resource guide for the community, which is available at mhawny.org.

In addition to being recognized during the game, the health plan also awarded a $2,500 donation to the organization to support its efforts to promote mental health and wellness in homes, school, and workplaces across Western New York through education, prevention, early intervention programs and supportive services.