Baltimore, MD – Focused on providing awareness and support to the community by addressing health disparities, the "Huddle Up for Health" program initiative stems from the decades-long partnership between the Baltimore Ravens (Ravens) and CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield (CareFirst). The program continues the ongoing community wellness and health equity initiatives established by the two organizations, while broadening focus to include other health challenges individuals face throughout Maryland.
In 2025, CareFirst and the Ravens will select an organization that not only functions in the behavioral health space, but also has a focus on addressing social, economic and environmental factors that influence the health of the broader community.
"The Baltimore Ravens are committed to behavioral health support on a community level. By addressing mental health challenges head-on, the Ravens and CareFirst are creating a foundation for a healthier, more compassionate society. With over 1 in 5 U.S. adults experiencing mental illness each year, these efforts are more crucial than ever " said Kelly Tallant, director of community relations at the Ravens. "We're grateful to collaborate with CareFirst to continue our support for organizations that prioritize this meaningful work."
In the grant's first two years of funding, the Ravens and CareFirst have supported Nexus-Woodbourne Family Healing (2023) and Roberta's House (2024), providing pivotal funding to enhance youth recovery and grief support for trauma-impacted families.
Now in its third year, the Huddle Up for Health program will award a grant to a chosen Maryland nonprofit organization to build new programming or enhance current initiatives centered around mental health support and awareness. Eligible nonprofits can apply to receive up to $50,000 in grant funding.
"At CareFirst, we recognize that mental health is fundamental to overall well-being—and addressing it requires a collective, community-driven effort," said Mack McGee, Chief Marketing Officer at CareFirst. "Our longstanding partnership with the Ravens reflects a shared commitment to raising awareness, supporting the organizations making a difference and expanding access to the mental health resources our communities need and deserve."
The Ravens and CareFirst will jointly recognize the Huddle Up for Health 2025 grant recipient organization by helping bring their mental health programming to life and highlighting their efforts at a 2025 Baltimore Ravens home game. Applicants can apply for the grant program here through Monday, May 5, 2025.
To stay up to date on Huddle Up for Health and learn more about the Ravens' community initiatives and involvement, visit www.baltimoreravens.com/community. For more information on how CareFirst is transforming healthcare, visit www.carefirst.com/transformation.
