GREENFIELD – Hancock Health Foundation has received more than $4.5 million over the last four years in its fundraising campaign for mental health.
Despite a pandemic and a recovering economy, the foundation exceeded its fundraising goal for its mental health campaign, according to a press release from Hancock Health.
Over the past four years, the foundation has received more than 1,000 donations.
“The donations are from local businesses, organizations and individuals who recognize the huge need for these services and trust Hancock Health to provide them,” said Allyson Smith, executive director of the Hancock Health Foundation. “Donations from the community are crucial to sustaining these programs as mental health services are severely underfunded, meaning insurance reimbursement is not nearly enough to cover the cost of providing care, and many people simply cannot afford to pay for it.”
The funding has allowed Hancock Health to expand its behavioral health services to better serve people in the community struggling with mental health and substance misuse as well as opening the Hancock Health Connection Center.
The donations also support the local System of Care and programs focused on prevention, early intervention, education, training, and an overall reduction of stigma.
“The Hancock Health Connection Center and the entire behavioral health team are a real blessing to Hancock County,” says Smith. “They’re having a tremendous impact on people in our community. Their approach to helping those struggling with mental health and substance misuse is truly innovative and is paving the way for other communities to do the same.”
That innovative approach includes rapid access and connection to care through the Connection Center, navigating people to services.
Integrated school-based prevention, early intervention and treatment services for students and their families is also included.
Hancock Health is offering shortened wait times and follow up after crisis assessment and treatment.
Prevention, early intervention, education, and training are also provided, all while reducing stigma.
For more information about the Hancock Health Connection Center, call 317-468-4231 or visit hancockhealth.org/wellness-education/health-connection-center.
