The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Central Middlesex affiliate recently donated $5,000 to the Auxiliary of Emerson Hospital’s Anchor Down campaign to support behavioral health programs at Emerson.
Part of NAMI’s donation will provide therapeutic kits, called Anchor Bags, for pediatric patients who are experiencing a mental health crisis and are evaluated in Emerson’s emergency department. The Anchor Bags include relaxation tools, breathing exercises, and items for creative expression. The bags help patients maintain a sense of calm and “anchor” them in the present moment in order to work effectively with clinicians and begin to recover from a crisis. Additional funds from NAMI will provide technology to enable patients in Emerson’s adult behavioral health unit to participate in online therapeutic programs.
“The demand for mental health and substance use services has grown dramatically during the pandemic,” explains Lori Krinsky, president of NAMI Central Middlesex. “We are honored to partner with Emerson Hospital, a leader in delivering behavioral health care to the community, to help bring important supports to those in need.”
“NAMI Central Middlesex is a key partner in improving the lives of those living with mental health conditions throughout our community,” said Christine Schuster, RN, MBA, president and CEO of Emerson Hospital. “At Emerson, we are caring for more patients who need behavioral health care than ever before. We are very grateful for NAMI’s support to provide important resources to help patients recover. Through the Anchor Down campaign, Emerson’s Auxiliary shines a very important spotlight on mental health and ways the community can help.”
The Auxiliary of Emerson Hospital’s Anchor Down campaign for mental health is accepting donations through November 1, 2021. To learn more about the campaign, see videos with clinicians about mental health care, and learn about the need for community support, visit www.emersonhospital.org/supportmentalhealth.
