Feelin’ groovy at Mental Health Association dance party

The ‘Boss’ was back in town for the recent Party through the Decades fundraiser at the Oak Harbor Club to benefit the Mental Health Association of Indian River County. Roughly 150 guests, attired in clothing reminiscent of their favorite musical decades, gathered to dance the night away, boogieing to the sounds of the Rivertown Band playing iconic rock tunes from the ’50s, ’60s, ’70s and ’80s.

Dressed as the ‘Boss’ himself, Bruce Springsteen, the MHA’s new boss, Dr. Nick Coppola, took center stage to encourage partiers to reach into their pockets in support of mental health services in Indian River County.

“I was a family doctor for 23 years and treated mental health patients. When my son died four and a half years ago, I became the patient and sought treatment for my own mental health,” said Coppola. “I have been on both sides of the illness and I bring a unique perspective and empathy to the position. I am very proud to serve as director and I look forward to growing our services.”

Coppola, who became CEO of the organization in January following the retirement of Bob Brugnoli, Ph.D., congratulated the staff, board and supporters for their efforts in serving the mental health needs of the community for the past 60 years, where the primary message has been and continues to be: “It’s OK to get help.”

In 1958, recognizing that there was no place for individuals with mental health issues to go for help, Inga Olla Helseth, Ph.D. (1888-1987), of one of the area’s early pioneer families, founded the Mental Health Association of Vero Beach; the current organization was incorporated in 1978.

In 2007, the MHA opened a Walk-In Counseling Center to provide immediate access to mental health care when it is first needed, rather than waiting until the problem is at its worst.

“Florida is ranked No. 1 in the nation for adults with thoughts of suicide,” said MHA clinical director Jeanne Shepherd. “It’s No. 8 for adults with mental illness and No. 9 for adults seeking mental health care. Our walk-in center gives immediate access to care. All anyone has to do is walk in and we provide free mental health screenings for any Indian River County resident. As the local affiliate of Mental Health America, we promote ‘B4Stage4” for mental wellness, which is to treat concerns before they reach Stage 4.”

Last year, roughly 10,000 hours of professional services were provided to nearly 1,300 unduplicated clients. Services included mental health screenings, psychotherapy visits, psychiatry visits and group services. They also operate three peer-operated drop-in centers in Indian River, St. Lucie and Okeechobee counties that are open 365 days a year, providing a safe, confidential and empowering environment where members support one another and engage in recreational and social activities.

For more information, visit mhairc.org.

Photos by: Kaila Jones
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