SOUTHBRIDGE, Mass. – April 17, 2015 – On May 3, the community is invited to have a little fun – and get a little colorful – to raise money for behavioral health services.
Harrington HealthCare’s ‘Take a Mental Health Day’ is a family-friendly 5K walk or run that includes four color stations – locations throughout the course where willing participants are showered with a non-toxic, color cornstarch mixture. At the end of the race, the participants are a mixture of green, red, blue, and yellow, creating a fun, tie-dye appearance. Similar color runs are held internationally by various corporations.
The event is just one step the healthcare system is taking to raise money for an inpatient psychiatric unit to be constructed at Harrington HealthCare at Webster. The 14 bed adult unit will offer a secure hospital setting to receive care for a variety of behavioral health issues.
In November, Harrington applied for, and received, a Community Hospital Acceleration, Revitalization, & Transformation, (CHART), investment program Phase II grant through the MA Health Policy Commission (HPC). CHART makes phased investments in Massachusetts community hospitals to enhance the delivery of efficient, effective care. The total awarded to Harrington was $3.5 million, of which $1.4 million has been approved for this project.
Additional grants, donations, and private funding are being examined to make up the remaining $1.5 million the project needs to move forward.
Access to behavioral health programs are at an all-time high, not only in the state but across the country. Harrington already has one of the most robust programs in the region, including substance abuse, psychiatric emergency services, individual, couple and child/family counseling, outpatient counseling, partial hospitalization, and a 14 bed inpatient unit in Southbridge.
Harrington is committed to providing quality, comprehensive care locally, and this program will fill a void in patient services. It will be the first inpatient unit in central Massachusetts to offer an inpatient psychiatric unit with a specialty track for patients suffering from both mental illness and substance abuse. The closest inpatient unit is 25 miles away, a significant and inconvenient distance for patients in Harrington’s service area.
May also marks Mental Health Awareness Month and Child Mental Health Week. The event will feature tables with behavioral health service information, tools, children’s activities, and giveaways, as well as relevant information on health and wellness for the whole family. There will be refreshments, entertainment, and raffles, as well.
The event is rain or shine and starts at 79 Sayles Street in Southbridge. The route is partially trail terrain and includes moderate hills.
Registration is $25, $15 for seniors and students. Children under 10 are free but must be accompanied by an adult.
For more information, to make a donation, or to sign up, visit http:://harrington.kintera.org/mentalhealth5k
Questions about the event can be directed to Courtney Little at 508-765-3009 or Blaine Schnare at 508-764-2420.
© 2024 UMass Memorial Health
