by Laine Himmelmann
At the end of September, Blue Shield of California recognized five Oakland nonprofit organizations through its annual Stand for What’s Right Awards, honoring efforts to improve youth mental health and wellness. In collaboration with Oakland Thrives, Blue Shield is also providing $125,000 in grants to help Oakland Thrives and the organizations expand their impact on local youth. The recognition comes as Blue Shield’s latest BlueSky Youth Mental Health Survey found that 94% of California youth experience mental health challenges in an average month.
Community leaders and the nonprofit honorees joined Blue Shield at the East Bay Community Foundation to celebrate this year’s award recipients.
“Our recent BlueSky Youth Mental Health Survey shows that young people across California continue to face significant mental health challenges,” said Perry Chen, director of partnerships and programs, behavioral health services at Blue Shield of California. “With one in five Blue Shield members under age 18, we’re proud to invest in trusted community organizations, especially here in our hometown of Oakland, that are helping young people thrive.”
The Stand for What’s Right Awards build on Blue Shield’s long-standing commitment to youth mental health through BlueSky, its youth mental health initiative. Findings from the BlueSky Youth Mental Health Survey, compiled by BlueSky and Children Now, underscore the need for continued support. Among 750 California youth surveyed, ages 14 to 25, 94% reported experiencing mental health challenges in an average month, while stigma remained a barrier to care.
The survey also highlighted disparities across communities. Among youth reporting poor mental health, 98% identified as youth of color, reinforcing the need for culturally responsive, community-based care.
“Young people are telling us they need more support, and these challenges aren’t experienced equally across communities,” said Chen. “That’s why we’re focused on meeting youth where they are by expanding access to behavioral health services and investing in community-led solutions that help close gaps in care.”
2026 Stand for What’s Right Award recipients
- Chappell Hayes Health Center at McClymonds High School, operated by UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital: Expands health education and prevention services beyond the clinic.
- Roosevelt Health Center at Roosevelt Middle School, operated by La Clinica de la Raza: Connects youth to health screenings, follow-up care, and behavioral health services.
- Seven Generations School-Based Health Center at Skyline High School, operated by Native American Health Center: Provides evidence-based behavioral health support groups for students exposed to trauma.
- SHOP 55 Wellness Center at Oakland High School, operated by East Bay Asian Youth Center: Offers peer mentoring programs in which trained students provide wellness check-ins, mentoring, and tutoring.
- Youth Uprising/Castlemont Health Center at Castlemont High School, operated by UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital: Supports LGBTQIA+ youth through its United in Colors drop-in center, offering peer support, wellness activities, and health education resources.
“Receiving the Stand for What’s Right Award is a meaningful affirmation of the power of relationships in partnering directly with young people for healing and health for individuals and our community, “ said Saun-Toy Trotter, MFT, Clinical Director at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital, which operates Chappell Hayes Health Center at McClymonds High School and Youth Uprising/Castlemont School Based Health Center. “This support will strengthen our ability to provide accessible, integrated care, safe and healing spaces, and practical support to students in the communities we serve, while making sure there is no wrong door when a young person needs help. At its heart, this work is about building trust, hope, and possibility so young people can thrive.”
Blue Shield’s nationally recognized BlueSky initiative is a multi-year effort to promote emotional well-being for young people across California. Since 2019, BlueSky has supported over 33,000 youth and educators through on-campus and online mental health services, educator training, and youth-led advocacy programs.
“These awards reflect Blue Shield’s commitment to standing for what’s right and improving the health and well-being of all Californians,” said Dr. Kyla Johnson-Trammell, CEO of Oakland Thrives. “As a health plan headquartered in Oakland, Blue Shield continues to invest in community‑based solutions that strengthen behavioral health support for young people and families. Oakland Thrives is proud to partner with Blue Shield to advance a shared vision for healthier communities.”
To learn more about Blue Shield of California’s commitment to our California communities, please visit citizenship.blueshieldca.com. For Blue Shield mental health and substance use resources, click here.
Peer health educators, Roosevelt Health Center at Roosevelt Middle School, operated by La Clinica de la Raza
Care coordination, SHOP 55 Wellness Center at Oakland High School, operated by East Bay Asian Youth Center
Youth Uprising/Castlemont Health Center at Castlemont High School, operated by UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital
Chappell Hayes Health Center at McClymonds High School, operated by UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital
Seven Generations School-Based Health Center at Skyline High School, operated by Native American Health Center