MusiCares offers health services, human services, and mental health and addiction recovery services to the music community. Through our programming and resources offered year-round, MusiCares acts as a constant support to music people in need.
From health screenings to virtual audiology services and disaster relief, MusiCares continued into 2022 on its mission to help the humans behind the music because music gives so much to the world.
Here are 10 ways MusiCares continued to support the music community in 2022.
Health Screenings
From assistance with medical expenses (such as doctor, dentist and hospital bills) to support in obtaining low-cost health insurance and preventative services, MusiCares provides a wide range of health and wellness services.
In 2022, we expanded our network of gracious providers nationally. A few highlights include our smoking cessation services through Optum Quit 4 Life, the addition of eight new therapists for mental health support options, and representatives from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention working alongside our staff at music festivals.
Visit our Events page to stay up-to-date on all upcoming health screenings and clinics.
Support Groups
MusiCares offers 10 free weekly online emotional support and addiction recovery support groups year-round, including women's music community, Black music community, and LGBTQIA+ music community groups open to anyone interested in participating.
This holiday season, MusiCares introduced a temporary support group, "Navigating the Holiday Blues," dedicated to providing the music community with support through holiday stressors such as grief/loss, financial worries, loneliness, and unrealistic expectations.
Support groups are a safe and secure place to sort through a variety of wellness issues or concerns. Each group is led by a licensed professional and additional assistance is available if needed.
Visit our Get Help page to get in touch with a support group leader for more information and dial-in instructions.
Mental Health Treatment & Resources
In addition to free support groups, MusiCares has a Mental Health and Addiction Services Team composed of licensed professionals dedicated to assisting eligible individuals find the mental health treatment that they need. MusiCares offers financial assistance and resources for psychotherapy, coaching and psychiatric expenses, inpatient and outpatient treatment, detox and sober living costs.
To qualify for this funding, individuals must have worked in the music industry for a minimum of five years or have at least six commercially released recordings or videos.
Visit our Get Help page for more information.
Hearing Clinics
In 2022, MusiCares continued to provide complimentary ear impressions and custom molded hearing protection to qualified artists and crew at music festivals across the country, including Coachella, Stagecoach, Outside Lands, Firefly, and When We Were Young.
Visit our Events page to stay up-to-date on all upcoming hearing clinics.
Tuned Partnership
In addition to our ongoing in-person hearing clinics at various festivals across the country, MusiCares officially launched our partnership with Tuned, an online hearing health company, this past October.
Through the Tuned platform, MusiCares clients can gain access to the hearing care they need — with the ability to take an advanced online hearing health screening, consult virtually with a credentialed audiologist, and receive ongoing personalized care and support.
Register and learn more here.
Safe Harbor Rooms
MusiCares established its first Safe Harbor Room backstage at the 1997 GRAMMY Awards to provide a support system to artists and crew members struggling with addiction issues. Staffed by qualified chemical dependency and intervention specialists, Safe Harbor Rooms offer a support network to those in recovery while they are participating in the production of televised music shows and other major music events.
MusiCares continues to expand the Safe Harbor Room program to include locations, venues, and music festivals nationwide, including the Latin GRAMMYs, Academy of Country Music Awards, and SXSW.
Visit our Events page to stay up-to-date on all upcoming Safe Harbor Rooms.
Naloxone Training & Distribution
Alongside our in-person hearing clinics and Safe Harbor Rooms, MusiCares provided naloxone training and distribution at many music festivals across the country this year, including Austin City Limits, Coachella, Stagecoach and When We Were Young. Naloxone is a life-saving medication that works to reverse an opioid overdose.
Visit our Events page to stay up-to-date on upcoming naloxone training and distributions.
Free Weekly Yoga
As a way to practice mid-week mindfulness, MusiCares introduced free 30-minute yoga sessions in a safe and virtual environment throughout the year. Prior experience is not required, and all eligible music industry professionals are welcome.
Visit our Events page to stay up-to-date on upcoming weekly yoga sessions.
Read More: 6 Disaster Preparedness Tips: How The Music Community Can Be Ready For Emergency Situations
Disaster Relief
Many people in the music community live paycheck to paycheck, and a disaster can devastate their ability to cover the most basic needs. In 2022, MusiCares partnered with local organizations on the ground, distributed emergency financial assistance, and connected the music community to locally-available resources during and after Hurricane Ian and Hurricane Fiona.
Help For the Holidays
This past November marked MusiCares' third Help for the Holidays initiative. MusiCares distributed $250 Walmart Gift Cards to music professionals and their families, providing support for groceries and other basic necessities ahead of the holiday season.
How MusiCares Supports Holistic Health & Wellness In The Music Community Year-Round