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 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 Baltimore Ravens will select an organization that has a focus on addressing the broader community and upstream determinants of health (the social, economic, and environmental factors that influence health).
”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 to show support to the organizations that prioritize this meaningful work.”
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. 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 May 5, 2025.
“Mental health is foundational to overall health outcomes, and many people experience barriers when accessing necessary care,” said Mack McGee, Chief Marketing Officer at CareFirst. “The Huddle Up for Health program aims to reduce stigma and increase accessibility through innovative programs throughout the state. What I appreciate about the tenure of this partnership and the extension of it to include programming like this is we aren’t just helping people; we’re realizing the power two anchor institutions hold when our missions are aligned to generate impact with and for our local communities.”
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.
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.
