The Mental Health Association of Indian River County recently held their annual MHA Rocks fundraiser at the Oak Harbor Clubhouse, selecting a festive Cheeseburger in Paradise theme for this year’s event.
Partygoers got into the rhythm of the beat, coming dressed in Jimmy Buffett parrot-head attire, complete with bright floral dresses and shirts, crazy hats and flip flops. Margaritaville was hopping, boat drinks were flowing, and guests were dancing like fruitcakes to live music by Jimmy Stowe and the Stowaways, a popular Jimmy Buffett Tribute Band.
After dancing up an appetite, a visit to the seemingly endless dinner buffet was in order, featuring cheeseburgers in paradise (of course), pork and Mahi sandwiches, shrimp kabobs, grilled veggies and delectable desserts. Island libations promptly provided a change in attitude without the change in latitude, limiting inhibitions of those guests growing older but not up, who hammed it up in the photo booth. There was also a caricature artist who captured whimsical expressions as everyone enjoyed an evening rivaling Buffett’s “Livingston Saturday Night.”
While the evening was filled with fun and frivolity, the mental health message was direct.
“We’re collaborating a lot with our veterans, Dogs for Life, Gold Star Mothers and Erica’s Lighthouse program, so we are very busy,” said Mental Health Association CEO Phil Cromer, Ph.D.
“We are also doing a lot of online support groups. The need for mental health care is urgent and we are proud to be able to offer immediate access with our Walk-In and Counseling Center.”
Angela Guzenski, COO, said they are also being kept busy with their student suicide and violence prevention program, which teaches students about anxiety and depression.
“The state mandated five hours of mental health classes in the public schools, so our program is offered to all sixth- and ninth-graders in Indian River County,” she explained.
“Being an outside provider and able to help the school district create awareness about mental health, and some of the warning signs to look for, has been very rewarding. We also have clinicians available to talk with the kids if they want to talk to somebody,” she added.
“Additionally, we’ve been working closely with the veterans in the community and recently started a women’s veteran and first responder peer support group that deals mostly with PTSD,” said Guzenski.
Additionally, the MHA began a partnership with Coastal Connections this year, and now offers a few client classes on the beach.
“Therapy by the water is a whole concept called Blue Minds, that taps into the science of healing by being close to the water,” explained Kendra Cope, Coastal Connections executive director. “Some of the clients will be doing educational walks and coastal cleanup with us as well, so that they can feel like a part of something bigger which helps with their depression.”
Continuing its expression “It’s OK to get help,” the nonprofit Mental Health Association is dedicated to providing immediate access to mental health care without any barriers. The center provides crisis intervention and individual therapy services to children, adults and families.
Their Walk-In & Counseling Center, located at 820 37th Place, is open Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and no appointment is necessary. For more information, visit mhairc.org or call 772-569-9788.
Photos by Kaila Jones
