Photo Caption: Left to Right Sculptor Geoffrey Smith, State Representative Toby Overdorf, New Horizons Board Director Mary Baysinger, Congressman Brian Mast, and George Shopland, New Horizons CEO. Photo Credit Liz McKinley
May 19, 2019 – Board Director Mary Baysinger hosts event to raise awareness of mental health needs in Martin County
The beautiful waterfront setting of Board Director Mary Baysinger’s Palm City home was the perfect spot for a Florida-style meet and mingle — a “Flamingle” — with friends and neighbors interested in learning more about the services offered by New Horizons of the Treasure Coast and Okeechobee.
Some 50 guests braved the spring showers to meet the newly appointed CEO of New Horizons, George Shopland, as well as Congressman Brian Mast, and State Representative Toby Overdorf, who was accompanied by his wife Maggie and his mother Judy.
Also in attendance were New Horizons Board Directors Chief Deputy Garry Wilson of the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office; Kathryn Hensley, St. Lucie County School Board member; Pat Austin; and Debbie Clemons.
“Although we have been around for 61 years, many area residents have never even heard of New Horizons,” said Ms. Baysinger, who has become involved with the nonprofit mental health agency for the past few years. “The stigma of mental illness has kept this agency in the shadows. It’s time to shine a light on the issues of suicide, addiction and trauma so healing is available to everyone.”
New Horizons is the largest mental health and addiction recovery agency in the region, with nine offices across four counties, serving 14,000 children and adults annually, regardless of their ability to pay.
In fact, more than half of New Horizons clients have no source of income or insurance, yet no one is turned away due to lack of financial resources.
“Florida is ranked 49th or 50th in the nation every year in mental health funding,” said Shopland. “It’s important we keep our local legislators informed of these numbers, as they are the ones who can help us make a change in this arena. And of course the support we have from friends and donors allows us to build a healthier community.”
To learn more, please visit www.nhtcinc.org or call (772) 696-2729.
