Blue Cross NC will continue to serve as the official health insurance partner of the NCHSAA.

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – The North Carolina High School Athletic Association (NCHSAA) is proud to announce a two-year partnership extension with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC), reinforcing a shared commitment to the health and well-being of student-athletes across the state.

As the official health insurance partner of the NCHSAA, Blue Cross NC will continue its support throughout the 2025–2026 academic year as a State Championship partner for all sports. In addition, Blue Cross NC is placing greater emphasis on youth mental health within the partnership to support both student-athletes and the adults who guide them.

Blue Cross NC will sponsor a Student-Athlete Mental Health Awareness social feature, highlighting the personal journeys of student-athletes navigating mental health challenges. This content series aims to elevate youth voices, reduce stigma, and foster open conversations around mental well-being.

“The NCHSAA is excited to continue its partnership with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of NC, and we are particularly proud of their focus on the mental health of our student-athletes,” Commissioner Que Tucker said. “Together, we are ensuring the adults on the sidelines are trained and our students are empowered to lead, both on and off the field.”

The partnership also includes expanded support for the annual Student-Athlete Leadership Conference, where Blue Cross NC will help integrate mental health education into leadership development programming. At last year’s conference, Blue Cross NC facilitated a Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) training preview through its partners at UNC Behavioral Health Springboard, offering student-athletes a glimpse into the skills needed to recognize and respond to mental health challenges.

Building on that momentum, Blue Cross NC and NCHSAA will host a full YMHFA training this November for high school athletic directors, coaches, and administrative staff. This initiative is part of Blue Cross NC’s broader goal to bring Youth Mental Health First Aid training to all 100 North Carolina counties by the end of 2025—empowering communities with tools to support youth resilience and well-being.

These efforts reflect Blue Cross NC’s deepening commitment to whole-person health and its belief that mental health is foundational to student success both on and off the field.