October is Substance Use Awareness Month: You’re Not Alone on the Journey to Wellness
Every October, we recognize Substance Use Awareness Month—a time to shine a light on the realities of substance use, encourage prevention, and support recovery. It’s also a time to remind ourselves and others that help is available, and no one has to face these challenges alone.
At Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City (Blue KC), we believe that mental and behavioral health are essential to overall well-being. That’s why every Blue KC health plan includes behavioral health benefits—from therapy and counseling to substance use treatment and recovery support.
Support When You Need It Most
If you or someone you care about is struggling with substance use, stress, anxiety, or any behavioral health concern, help is just a phone call away. Blue KC members have access to Mindful Advocates, specially trained professionals available 24/7 to:
- Provide in-the-moment support
- Help you understand and navigate your behavioral health benefits
- Connect you with in-network providers and services
- Guide you toward the right care for your unique needs
To reach a Mindful Advocate, simply call 833-302-MIND (6463) and say “Mindful” when prompted—or use the behavioral health number on your Blue KC member ID card.
Crisis Support Is Always Available
In moments of crisis, immediate help is available through the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. This free, confidential service is available 24/7 via call, text, or chat. You don’t have to be suicidal to reach out—988 supports anyone experiencing emotional distress, substance use challenges, or mental health concerns. Spanish-speaking counselors and services for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing individuals are also available.
New Resource: Substance Use Prevention Toolkit
In partnership with Lucet, Blue KC is proud to offer members access to the Substance Use Prevention Toolkit—a comprehensive digital resource designed to:
- Educate on substance use disorders
- Provide tips for prevention and recovery
- Offer support for friends and family
- Share myth-busting facts and real-life stories
- Help reduce stigma and normalize the conversation around substance use
Whether you’re seeking help for yourself or supporting someone else, this toolkit is a powerful way to learn, connect, and take action. Explore the toolkit here.
Let’s Keep the Conversation Going
Substance use affects millions of individuals and families—and talking about it openly is one of the most important steps we can take toward healing. This October, let’s commit to supporting sobriety, reducing stigma, and making mental health care accessible.
If you need help, remember you’re not alone. Reach out to a Mindful Advocate, explore your benefits, and take advantage of the resources available to you as a Blue KC member.
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City partners with Lucet to optimize our members’ access to behavioral health services. For more information call the behavioral health number on your member ID card or login to your member portal at MyBlueKC.com. If you are experiencing a medical emergency call 9-1-1. If you are experiencing a behavioral health emergency call or text, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 9-8-8.
