-

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and Carelon Behavioral Health Offer Free Access to Support Line for Georgians Impacted by Apalachee High School Shooting

ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--In response to the recent shooting at Apalachee High School, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and Carelon Behavioral Health are extending access to behavioral health support for all Georgians, regardless of whether they are Anthem members. These services are a free, supplementary offering to other statewide resources like 988.

Any Georgia resident needing support can speak to a behavioral health professional via phone by calling 1-800-765-4446. The support helpline is confidential and available 24/7 at no cost.

“On behalf of our entire team, we are heartbroken by the event that took place in Barrow County and are committed to helping our community heal in the wake of this tragedy,” said Robert Bunch, president of Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia. “We hope that by providing access to behavioral health services to anyone in need, we can support our neighbors and our community during this difficult time.”

“Our team is here and ready to support Georgia students, parents and the community at large during this critical time. We know that mass violence shootings are difficult to understand and affect people in many different ways, especially when youth are involved," said Dr. James Polo, chief medical officer for Carelon Behavioral Health. "It's important to monitor your emotional reactions and seek help when necessary. Sharing your concerns during these difficult circumstances can go a long way toward improving your mental health. A phone call can often lessen anxiety, anger, fear, and channel our emotional response to thrive during times of crisis.”

About Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Georgia

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is the trade name of Blue Cross Blue Shield Healthcare Plan of Georgia, Inc., an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. Anthem is a registered trademark of Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc. Additional information about Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is available at www.anthem.com. Also, follow us at @anthemBCBS on X or https://www.linkedin.com/company/anthembcbs/ on LinkedIn.

About Carelon Behavioral Health

Carelon Behavioral Health offers clinical mental health and substance use disorder management, a comprehensive employee assistance program, work/life support, specialty programs for autism and depression, and insightful analytics to improve the delivery of care for federal, state and local governments, health plans and employers. Carelon Behavioral Health has been delivering high-quality behavioral healthcare for more than 40 years across all 50 states and is a division under Carelon, part of the Elevance Health family of brands. For more information, visit www.carelonbehavioralhealth.com or follow us on LinkedIn.

Carelon Behavioral Health Inc. is a separate company providing utilization review services on behalf of Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Nevada.

Contacts

Kersha Cartwright – Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield – (678) 767-0199 or Kersha.Cartwright@elevancehealth.com

Industry:

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Georgia

Release Versions
English

Contacts

Kersha Cartwright – Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield – (678) 767-0199 or Kersha.Cartwright@elevancehealth.com

More News From Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Georgia

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and ApolloMD Announce Multi-Year Contract to Support Continued Access to Emergency Care

ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--ApolloMD, Georgia’s largest provider of emergency physician services, and Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia, the state’s largest health insurer, have renewed their long-standing provider agreement, ensuring continued in-network access to care for Anthem members. “ApolloMD’s mission has always been centered on delivering exceptional, patient-focused care,” said Dr. Yogin Patel, MD, MBA, FACEP, Chief Executive Officer of ApolloMD. “Renewing our partnership wit...

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia and CHI Memorial Announce Multi-Year Agreement to Expand Access and Improve Affordability

ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Georgia, the state’s largest health insurer, and CHI Memorial, a leading healthcare provider in Northwest Georgia and Southeast Tennessee, announced a new multi-year provider agreement that ensures continued in-network access to high-quality hospital, physician, and ancillary care services for Anthem members. The new contract reflects a shared commitment to expanding care access, improving affordability, and strengthening community...

Southwell and Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia Announce Agreement to Expand Pathway Network Coverage in South-Central Georgia

TIFTON, Ga.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--In a great step forward for affordable access to care across South-Central Georgia, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia (Anthem) and Southwell today announced a joint agreement to include all Southwell facilities in Anthem’s Pathway Network. This includes Southwell’s two hospitals, Tift Regional Medical Center (TRMC) in Tifton, and Southwell Medical in Adel, as well as Southwell’s physician practices and outpatient centers located throughout the region. Ha...
Back to Newsroom