Fargo, ND — On Wednesday, May 15, the vibrant community of Fargo will come together for the BIO Girls’ Annual Find Your Kind 5K & Youth Run, a spirited event aimed at promoting mental wellness among adolescent girls in the region. BIO Girls, a nonprofit organization, has teamed up with the Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota (BCBSND) Caring Foundation to make this year’s event even more impactful.
The 2021 North Dakota Youth Risk Behavior Survey revealed a sobering statistic: 1 in 8 North Dakota girls has attempted suicide. The importance of addressing mental health issues cannot be overstated. Low self-esteem is a significant predictor of emotional and behavioral challenges faced by young girls. BIO Girls recognizes this critical need and focuses on building self-esteem as a preventive measure against mental health struggles.
BIO Girls’ evidence-based programs have demonstrated remarkable results. Seven out of 10 BIO Girls participants experience increased self-esteem, while 50% of participants report decreased anxiety. By fostering confidence, resilience, and positive self-image, BIO Girls equips girls with essential tools to navigate life’s challenges.
The Find Your Kind 5K, held annually during May’s mental health awareness month, is more than just a race. It’s a celebration of local BIO Girls program participants and a platform to raise awareness about mental health. This year, the event is proudly presented by the BCBSND Caring Foundation.
Amber Blomberg, Executive Director of the BCBSND Caring Foundation, expressed enthusiasm about supporting BIO Girls: “We recognize the transformative impact BIO Girls has on adolescent girls. Through participation in this noncompetitive event, girls gain self-esteem, confidence, and the ability to set and achieve goals. BIO Girls’ inclusive program reaches girls from diverse backgrounds across the state, imparting valuable lessons in mental wellness, healthy relationships, leadership, and kindness. BIO Girls isn’t just a program; it’s a catalyst for positive change, shaping resilient, empowered, and confident young women across North Dakota.”
100% of the event proceeds from the Find Your Kind 5K directly support BIO Girls’ mission of improving the self-esteem of adolescent girls. The event kicks off at 6 p.m. with the Youth Run, a half-mile race for participants aged 12 and under. The starting and finishing point is the Microsoft Campus, located at 3900 Great Plains Drive in Fargo, ND.
Join us on May 15 to run, walk, or jog for a cause that matters. Let’s empower our girls, promote mental wellness, and create a brighter future for North Dakota’s young women. For more information and registration details, visit the official BIO Girls website.
