EmerSong: A Capella Night
Amherst College Zumbyes
In 2016, when the Auxiliary of Emerson Health first conceived of a fundraising event that would support Behavioral Health Services, it was responding to some frightening realities in our state. At the time, Massachusetts had the grim distinction of having among the highest opioid-related deaths in the nation – more than twice the national average.
The idea of an event– a musical, cabaret-style evening featuring primarily young people – the precise demographic that the state’s opioid scourge had affected most – struck a chord. And EmerSong was born – making its debut in February of 2017. It featured high school, college, and adult a cappella groups singing and beatboxing their hearts out. To say that the first event was a hit, would be an understatement. Not only was it a sellout, but it had the feel of a hot Broadway production. People came looking for extra tickets and asking if standing room was allowed. (It wasn’t.) EmerSong was a joyous, fun-filled, and kind of silly evening that left supporters feeling good about life and the important cause they were helping to support.
From 2017 through 2020, EmerSong raised nearly $50,000, to not only support addiction outpatient services, but also a variety of inpatient needs including improvements to family visiting areas. The 2020 event was held just two weeks shy of the COVID-19 pandemic, which quite literally changed everything everywhere!
In 2021, with COVID in full swing, the Auxiliary was forced to cancel EmerSong, but not its commitment to supporting Behavioral Health. It pivoted its fundraising efforts and moved online with a virtual campaign called Anchor Down. With the help of NAMI’s generous donation, it raised more than $15,000. Among the areas where these funds were utilized, was in the Emergency Department. It helped to enhance its two dedicated Behavioral Health treatment rooms, and to provide Anchor Bags, containing coping tools, such as puzzles and fidget items to help distract and pacify patients in extremis.
Seven years ago, when the Auxiliary began planning the first EmerSong, it could not have known how prescient its focus on supporting Behavioral Health had been. Since the last note was sung at EmerSong 2020, Covid-19 has wreaked havoc not only with the physical health of the nation, but also with its mental health. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF), more than 3 in 10 adults in Massachusetts – which is on par with national statistics – report having anxiety or depressive episodes, as compared to 1 in 10 pre pandemic. Statistics are more alarming in adolescence, where reports of major depressive episodes have doubled.
With the support of NAMI Central Middlesex, it is with great relief and anticipation that the Auxiliary is able to continue its mission of supporting Emerson Health’s comprehensive inpatient and outpatient Behavioral Health Services once again. This year’s EmerSong – the first since 2020 – is to be held April 1st at 7:30 p.m., 51 Walden-Performing Arts Center, 51 Walden St, Concord. Musical groups include Amherst College Zumbyes, MIT Ohms, Tufts sQ!, CCHS Take Notes, BroadBand and the Choi/Wright Family Quartet. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit emersonhealth.org/EmerSong.
Submitted by the Auxiliary of Emerson Health