Statements

Mission

MusiCares provides a safety net of critical assistance for music people in times of need. MusiCares' services and resources cover a wide range of financial, medical and personal emergencies, and each case is treated with integrity and confidentiality. MusiCares also focuses the resources and attention of the music industry on human service issues that directly impact the health and welfare of the music community.

Background

The music industry represents a multi-billion dollar entity driven by the incredible commitment and passion of music professionals. In spite of their creative contributions, these individuals have few places to turn in troubled times. Many music professionals work on contract or are self-employed and have limited access to basic services that are otherwise taken for granted. The tragic health and financial hardships faced by a great number of members of this community prompted the Recording Academy to launch the MusiCares Foundation to sustain music and its makers. Since its inception in 1989, MusiCares has developed into a premier support system for its constituents; providing innovative programs designed to meet specific needs. Three core activities enable the Foundation to effectively deliver its services. The Emergency Financial Assistance Program is the "heart and soul" of MusiCares and where it is most responsive, providing critical funds to help clients cover basic living expenses, medical expenses, psychotherapy, and treatment for terminal illnesses during life's unanticipated moments. The Healthy Essentials program gives clients access to free dental and medical clinics, health screenings, and educational workshops on financial, legal, and vocational issues. MusiCares Addiction Recovery Programs are the leading force in helping music people battle through the problems of addiction. The Musician's Assistance Program gives them access to treatment regardless of their financial condition. Clients also receive sustaining support through weekly recovery groups, safe havens during special events, and sober networks while on the road.

Impact

MusiCares services extend to all music people ? artists, instrumentalists, studio managers, audio engineers, stage crew, etc. ? in need. We are a national organization that applies regional approaches to reach communities with a strong concentration of creative individuals. In the fiscal year 2016-2017, we awarded $5.9 million to 7,800 clients around the country. Additionally, we had a presence at over 43 music events and over 11,002 music people through our Healthy Essentials programs. Owing to its size and rich musical history, Nashville is one of the largest areas served by MusiCares. The following are our top regional accomplishments for fiscal year 2016-2017. * MusiCares Nashville Chapter distributed more than $2,440,509 in Emergency Financial Assistance grants to close to 2,699 individuals in the region. These grants were primarily provided to help individuals cover medical expenses, dental care, and basic living expenses as they experienced downturns in employment, faced or recovered from chronic illnesses, or because they lacked adequate insurance coverage. * MusiCares Healthy Essentials Program presented over 50 free health clinics and workshops, serving 964 residents in Nashville and the surrounding area. Clients were provided with free custom ear plugs at our hearing clinics, flu shots, mammogram screenings, physical exams, and preventive dental care, among other services. Workshops included information on signing up for health insurance through the Affordable Care Act, music licensing, yoga and finances. Many of our Healthy Essentials programs were held during major music events, such as the Bonnaroo Music Festival, Country Music Awards, Academy of Country Music Awards, Blues Music Awards and the Pilgrimage Music Festival. Having a presence at these events gives our staff the opportunity to reach an even greater ? and more diverse ? audience of music people while they are at work. * We continue to provide resources and support for those in recovery. MusiCares provides a free weekly addiction recovery support group on music row; offers a sober space for artists and crew during major music events through our Safe Harbor Rooms; and facilitates substance abuse treatment to help clients get on the road to recovery.

Needs

MusiCares experiences a great demand for the range of services we provide ? from emergency financial assistance to addiction recovery resources. We are only able to meet these increasing needs through the generous support of music makers, volunteers, and regional communities. In order to be most effective in the communities we serve, MusiCares regularly seeks partnerships with local area providers and regional organizations to build and maximize a network of resources. Partnerships with groups such as the Faith Family Medical Clinic and Walk-in Dental Clinics, Inc. enable us to provide preventative care to a greater group of constituents; keeping the music community healthy and employed. As the industry shifts, and it becomes increasingly difficult for music people to sustain themselves; contributions from individuals, charitable organizations, and corporate partners are very important in helping MusiCares to sustain our mission. Our goals are to continue maximize our reach within the community by increasing financial support; building on successful partnerships with local health care providers; and distributing information about MusiCares programs and services at health fairs, music conferences, and events.

Service Categories
Primary Category:	Human Services  - Human Services NEC
Secondary Category:	Arts, Culture & Humanities  - Music
Tertiary Category:	Health Care  - Community Clinics

Areas Served

As a nationwide organization, MusiCares works year-round with our partners at the Recording Academy Chapters ? in twelve central locations across the country ? to ensure that clients have full access to services no matter where they are in the country. Owing to its rich and diverse industry, Nashville is home to MusiCares' largest office, the head of our health and human services staff, and our largest number of clients served annually.

National

TN - Davidson

TN

National