More than 1.1 million adults in Massachusetts have a mental health condition, according to the National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI). Of the 360-thousand adults in Massachusetts who did not receive much-needed mental health care last year, one in three say they did not seek help because of the cost.
The truth is that struggles with mental health are not going anywhere. The cost of care can be prohibitive, particularly as living expenses continue to rise. “We’re lucky on the North Shore,” Ruth Ferguson, president of the Marblehead Counseling Center (MCC) Board of Directors, said. “The town of Marblehead has generously supported MCC in its yearly budget for more than five decades.”
The Center offers area residents assistance with mental health and related basic needs and social services. “Our policy at MCC is that we do not turn any client away because of an inability to pay,” Ferguson noted.
Unfortunately, recent budget issues in town mean MCC will not be able to expand some much-needed new services this year in the way Ferguson had hoped. She noted that the town remains a huge supporter of the Center, but the need continues to grow, and some far-reaching goals have had to be put on hold for the moment. Insurance reimbursements only cover about 75% of the actual cost of treatment, and MCC has to cover the shortfall from these reimbursements and co-pays.
“We do that through the support of the Town of Marblehead Board of Health, many generous community organizations, and residents of Marblehead and surrounding towns who participate in our golf tournaments, our annual Friends Campaign, and the ‘Community Champions Celebration,’ as well as support from the Amy Saltz ‘Finding the Song’ fund,” Ferguson explained. “MCC’s ongoing fundraising efforts are critical in getting people the treatment they need.”
Ferguson said the Center’s upcoming “Rising Tides Community Champions Celebration” on Thursday, May 7 at the Beacon Restaurant in Marblehead is the organization’s largest fundraiser of the year and a great way for the community to help. She’s hoping to bring in a few more event sponsors in these last few weeks, and for an event turnout that matches the community’s ongoing support of mental health. “It’s a night of great music, delicious food, and fun in an awesome venue. MCC even gets to give back, with a $1,000 scholarship for an area student planning to enter the healthcare profession, and the ‘Amy Saltz Community Champion Award,’ recognizing a community member who makes the North Shore a better place to live.”
Funds raised through sponsorships and ticket sales will drive MCC’s growth and ability to provide mental health and social services to Marblehead residents, as well as our neighbors in Swampscott, Lynn, Salem, and other local towns.