Circle Health Ball awards grants to mental health programs

Lowell, Mass. (March 5, 2017) – Attendees and supporters of the Circle Health Ball for Community Health Initiatives raised over $385,000 in donations on Saturday, March 4 to benefit mental health grants in Greater Lowell.

The evening also included a “Fund a Need Drive,” which raised $50,000 to support the Lowell Transitional Living Center and its creation of a coordinated mental healthcare team to address mental health needs within the city’s homeless population.

“The Ball for Community Health Initiatives is truly a wonderful example of collaboration,” said Lowell General Hospital President Jody White. “For more than a decade, the Ball has continued to strengthen and expand a powerful partnership between our local healthcare providers and organizations like Lowell General Hospital, Circle Home, Lowell Community Health Center, and our fantastic community of physicians – working in partnership with the many community agencies and organizations in Greater Lowell.”

The Circle Health Ball was established in 2006 by Lowell General Hospital, its dedicated medical staff and concerned members of the community to generate awareness and funds to help address significant health issues facing our community. (from http://www.circle-health.org/2017ball.html)

LTLC currently operates an onsite healthcare program run by volunteer nurses and a weekly drop in clinic staffed by the Greater Lawrence Family Health Center’s Healthcare for the Homeless program. Now, thanks to our growing community support network, we were selected as the beneficiaries of the annual Circle Health Ball fundraiser. This is a huge honor! The award will allow LTLC to implement a Mental Health Support team.  

In building healthcare into our programs, we recognized the need for mental health support for our clients and ongoing education for our staff. (Jayde Campbell, Director, LTLC) 

The gift will also fund education and training regarding shelter residents who may not have a diagnosed mental health condition but are exhibiting signs of stress, depression and anxiety due to homelessness. They money will also provide an opportunity for LTLC to explore partnerships with agencies that provide alternative therapies such as acupuncture, yoga, support groups and exercise programs.  

We are confident that the center’s creation of a coordinated mental healthcare team to address the mental health needs of this population will make a powerful difference in our community. We were proud to present the proceeds from our 2017 Circle Health Ball for Community Health Initiatives ‘Fund a Drive’ drive to the LTLC. 

(Jody White, President and Chief Executive of Circle Health)