UniCare Teams Up With 98.5

March 20, 2023

ANDOVER, MASS. – Every day, first responders face off against dangerous situations in the line of duty. These high stress situations day after day can take a toll on their well-being and mental health. That’s why UniCare, a health benefits company in Massachusetts, has joined forces with 98.5 The Sports Hub Bruins Radio Network and hometown hockey star Charlie Coyle for Face-Offs for First Responders to highlight the mental health resources available to our first responder community. 

“First responders deal with traumatic and life-threatening situations every day, working in high-stress conditions, which can take a toll on their mental health. As health benefits plan supporting Massachusetts’ public servants, UniCare is committed to ensuring our members have access to the care and resources they need to improve their whole health – their physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being,” said David Morales, general manager of UniCare. “We’re honored to partner with the State Police Association of Massachusetts, the Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts, 98.5 The Sports Hub, and Charlie Coyle to remind first responders that mental health is health.”

UniCare has also joined forces with the State Police Association of Massachusetts and Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts and their leadership to encourage their members to talk to someone or use the many resources available to them through their unions. Every day these brave men and women respond to traumatic and life-threatening calls – they’re often exposed to things they can’t easily forget – and over time this can impact their mental health. It’s important for them to know it’s ok to reach out and seek support. In order to best serve their communities, they must first take care of themselves, their families, and their fellow first responders.

“The Association is humbled to have this opportunity to partner with UniCare, 98.5 the Sports Hub, the Professional Firefighters of Massachusetts, and Charlie Coyle to talk about the mental health impacts we all face while in the line of duty. Talking to someone can be tough, especially after a critical incident. I’ve seen firsthand this struggle during my military deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, my time as a local Police Officer, and now as a State Trooper. My hope is that this campaign will encourage my fellow first responders to reach out and take advantage of the countless resources available to them. Remember, in order to best serve our community and help others - we must first take care of ourselves and our fellow first responders,” said Patrick McNamara, President, State Police Association of Massachusetts.

“We’re honored to partner with Charlie Coyle, UniCare, 98.5 The Sports Hub, and our brothers and sisters in law enforcement to bring to light what first responders encounter every day in the line of duty. Often these calls are traumatic and can affect their mental health. The PFFM has made firefighter behavioral health and member assistance a priority – so we just want them to know it’s ok to ask for help when you need it. We have many great resources available and ready for you. If you need help … please ask for it,” said Rich MacKinnon, President, Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts. 

Charlie Coyle has joined as a campaign spokesman to give back and honor the many great first responders he knows having grown up here and now playing for the Boston Bruins. He wants to provide a message of hope and support to all the great men and women first responders. 

“Growing up in Weymouth – I have many friends and family who work as first responders and taken the oath to protect and serve their communities. So it’s an amazing honor for me to team up with 98.5 The Sports Hub, UniCare, the State Police Association of Massachusetts, and Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts to highlight the mental health resources available to them. We want to let them know it’s okay to talk to someone – there’s hope in getting help. If we’re able to reach and save just one first responder through this program – it will all be worth it,” said Charlie Coyle, Boston Bruins Center.

“We are honored to leverage the large reach of the 98.5 The Sports Hub Boston Bruins Radio Network to help UniCare deliver such a powerful and important message to the brave men and women who protect us every day,” said Mary Menna, Vice President/Market Manager, Beasley Media Group Boston.

Learn more about the program at 985thesportshub.com/firstresponders.

About UniCare:
UniCare is a health benefits company with deep, long-standing roots in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, serving Group Insurance Commission (GIC) members, retirees and their families for more than 30 years. The UniCare State Indemnity Plan provides health benefits exclusively to people insured through the GIC, offering a variety of plan options that provide comprehensive medical benefits. All of our plans also include coverage for prescription drugs and behavioral health services. Administrative services for the plan are provided by UniCare Life & Health Insurance Company. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts is solely responsible for determination of eligibility and payment of any amounts due under the plan.

About Beasley Media Group:
Beasley Media Group (BMG), LLC, a subsidiary of Beasley Broadcast Group, Inc., is a multiplatform media company providing advertising and digital marketing solutions across the United States. BMG owns 61 radio properties located in large and medium markets across the country, as well as offers capabilities in audio technology, esports, podcasting, ecommerce and events. Beasley Media Group reaches more than 20 million consumers on a weekly basis. For more information, please visit www.bbgi.com.


Media Contact:
Stephanie DuBois
stephanie.dubois@anthem.com
Ph: (603) 541-2112