Connecticut Sun and Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Connecticut Partnering to Raise Awareness About Mental Health, Preventive Health Resources

— “Anthem And One” in-game initiative part of ongoing campaign to support individuals’ whole health —

Uncasville, CT (March 13, 2023) – The Connecticut Sun and Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Connecticut, the team’s Official Health Insurance Partner, are embarking on the second of their three-year partnership to support the whole health needs of individuals across the state. As part of the partnership, Anthem will be joining the Sun in a number of different events and initiatives designed to enhance access to mental health and preventive care resources throughout the 2023 season.

“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 healthcare and raising awareness about available care resources,” said Lou Gianquinto, president of Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Connecticut. “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 be using basketball to open fans’ and players’ minds to resources for proactively caring for their mental health as well as the importance of preventive health visits with public service announcements. As part of these efforts, Anthem and the Sun players will be participating in “Anthem And One” for the 2023 season, an in-game initiative to support mental health. For every completed and-one a Sun player earns at Connecticut Sun home games, Anthem will donate $100 to support Sun community partner The Village for Families and Children, in their fight to tackle the mental health crisis. The goal is to raise $5,000 for their local mental health programs.

“We are really excited to be able to put on an initiative like this,” said Morgan Tuck, Director of Franchise Development and Assistant General Manager. “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 tip off events and activations for the 2023 season, the Connecticut Sun will be hosting a Leadership Chalk Talk on Tuesday, March 14 from 4:00-5:15 PM EST, featuring Connecticut Sun sideline reporter, Terrika Foster-Brasby; Connecticut Sun President, Jen Rizzotti; Connecticut Sun Director of Franchise Development and Assistant General Manager, Morgan Tuck; and Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Connecticut President, Lou Gianquinto. The quartet will be discussing the Connecticut Sun’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Game Plan: providing access; team-building and conflict resolution; equity in professional sports and corporate board rooms; and career advice for young talent.

About Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Connecticut

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is the trade name of Anthem Health Plans, Inc. Independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Anthem is a registered trademark of Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc. Additional information about Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Connecticut is available at www.anthem.com. Also, follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/anthemBCBS and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/AnthemBlueCrossBlueShield.

 

The Connecticut Sun tip off the 2023 season on Friday, May 19 at the Indiana Fever at 7:00PM EST.

Established in 2003, the Connecticut Sun is a professional women’s basketball team in the Women’s National Basketball Association that takes residence at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, CT. For additional information or to purchase season tickets, visit www.connecticutsun.com.

 

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