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.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240906456103/en/