The Hancock Health Connection Center helps people with mental health and substance abuse issues.
Daily Reporter file photo
GREENFIELD – Hancock Health Foundation has raised more than $4.5 million over the past four years in a mental health fundraising campaign.
Despite the pandemic and economic recovery, the foundation achieved 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.
“These donations come from local businesses, organizations and individuals who recognize the great need for these services and trust Hancock Health to provide them,” said Allison Smith, executive director of the Hancock Health Foundation. “Donations from the community are essential to sustaining these programs because mental health services are severely underfunded, insurance reimbursements are not nearly enough to cover the cost of providing care, and many people simply cannot afford to pay.”
The funding has enabled Hancock Health to expand behavioral health services and open the Hancock Health Connection Center to better serve area residents struggling with mental health and substance abuse.
Donations will also support local systems of care and programs focused on prevention, early intervention, education, training and overall stigma reduction.
“The Hancock Health Connection Center and the entire behavioral health team are truly a blessing to Hancock County,” Smith said, “They have made a tremendous impact on the people in our community. Their approach to helping those struggling with mental health and substance abuse is truly innovative and paving the way for other communities to do the same.”
This innovative approach includes rapid access and connection to care through connection centers to direct people to services.
It also includes school-based, integrated prevention, early intervention and treatment services for students and their families.
Hancock Health offers reduced wait times and crisis assessments and post-treatment follow-up.
Prevention, early intervention, education and training are also provided, and stigma is reduced.
For more information about the Hancock Health Connection Center, call 317-468-4231 or visit hancockhealth.org/wellness-education/health-connection-center.
