Goo Goo Doll's Takac Supports Mental Health in Schools

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Free-Press-Release.com) July 9, 2009 -- Buffalo, New York

The Mental Health Association of Erie County and Music is Art have found a very unique and effective way to reach middle and high school students with a strong mental health message. The program, H.E.A.R.T. - Helping Every Adolescent Rally Together was funded by The John R. Oishei Foundation and the Community Foundation of Greater Buffalo beginning in 2007 through 2009. Today, the program continues to thrive.

"We are using music to touch lives and open student's minds to important mental health skill-building messages. Students are faced with sexting, cell phone torment, cyber bullying, Facebook abuse, destructive dating relationships and so much more. You can't pass out brochures and expect that your work is done," stated Thomas P. McNulty, president and chief executive officer of the Mental Health Association of Erie County.

Music is Art was founder by bassist for the popular rock band, Goo Goo Dolls, Robby Takac. Together, the two organizations have reached more than 18,000 students in western New York. "It has potential in any community in America because the issues are very similar. During programs in the high schools, H.E.A.R.T. addresses suicide, depression, anorexia, domestic violence and more," McNulty added.

H.E.A.R.T. starts with a rock concert at a school assembly. A small concert, but make no mistake it is a concert. Mid-point during the performance, a very touching and powerful message is shared with the students by Agent Me's lead singer, Ryan. The band hangs out with the students through lunch period. A week later, the Mental Health Association of Erie County brings in its original program, T.E.L.L.-It - Teaching Emotional Lessons for Life - a classroom presentation with interactive Q&A. The program is present in the school for a full week and supports mental health messages introduced at the concert.

"Robby is a rare find as he is very genuinely interested in the kids, their issues and feelings. He knows music moves our emotions, so the combination of music and emotions makes our collaboration a good fit," McNulty stated.

The H.E.A.R.T. program recently received a $53,000 contract from the City of Buffalo Schools to bring the program to eight high schools in Buffalo. Superintendent, Dr. James Williams has attended the program presentation and witnessed the powerful connection to the students.

"Students want to receive information in formats they use every day. I-Pods, cell phones, MP3 players are part of their culture, as is music. While many school principals are skeptical at first about a rock concert in their schools, when the assembly is over, they want to book us again for next year," stated Jessica LaFalce, director of Creative and Artistic Programs at the Mental Health Association of Erie County and H.E.A.R.t. coordinator.

To learn more, visit www.eriemha.org and www.musicisart.org.

More information can be found online at http://www.eriemha.org

Goo Goo Dolls     H.E.A.R.T.     mental health     Thomas P. McNulty