Excellus provides support for On Point for College mental-health program

UTICA — Excellus BlueCross BlueShield announced it provided On Point for College - Utica with a $5,000 sponsorship to support a new mental-health program for first-generation college students. 

The program provides two mental-health workshops for college students and training for front-line advising staff. 

Rochester–based Excellus BlueCross BlueShield is Central New York’s largest health insurer.

Students will gain a better understanding of mental health and learn self-care skills that will allow them to address issues as they arise, Excellus said in its Dec. 3 announcement. Staff training will enhance skills in empathy, advocacy, listening, and mental-health issues, allowing them to aid “students in crisis.”

“Social-emotional learning and mental health services have become more important for our students since the beginning of the pandemic,” Kevin Marken, Utica director of On Point for College, said. “While preparing for college and leaving home are major disruptions for students in our program, fear and anxiety have been amplified for students by the trauma of the pandemic. This program will help students and staff identify mental health issues and actions that can be taken to assist.”

On Point for College says it works to break down barriers that prevent young, under-served people from achieving education and career success. The organization also works to “transform” communities by making college, training, and career success “a reality for those who face great obstacles.” 

With office in Syracuse and Utica, On Point for College serves youth in Onondaga, Cayuga, Oswego, Cortland, Madison, Oneida, and Herkimer counties.

“We are proud to assist On Point for College in their effort to provide vital mental-health support to first-generation college students in our community,” Eve Van de Wal, Utica regional president of Excellus, said. “Removing barriers to education and career success helps our community thrive.”

Excellus BlueCross BlueShield’s Utica region encompasses Clinton, Delaware, Essex, Franklin, Fulton, Hamilton, Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis, Madison, Montgomery, Oneida, Otsego, and St. Lawrence counties.