Haley Mack
Heidi
Haley Mack and Heidi, both from the Health Alliance for Austin Musicians (HAAM), were our speakers on March 11th. Per their website, the mission of HAAM is to provide Austin-area musicians access to affordable health, wellness, and prevention services to strengthen their quality of life in support of our vibrant music culture. According to Haley and Heidi, there are more than 9,000 working musicians that live in and around Austin. Austin's live music scene is a cultural identity and economic engine for Austin. The cost of living in Austin makes it difficult for musicians to make ends meet. HAAM helps them by: (1) enrolling eligible musicians in ACA health insurance plans; (2) free or low-cost care at area medical clinics; (3) dental care and eye exams; (4) audiology screenings and custom fitted ear plugs; (5) discounted wellness services; and (6) coaching and guidance. Over the 20 years that HAAM has been helping Austin musicians they have served over 25,000 musicians, provided critical financial supported and improved health outcomes, have become a community anchor and trusted resources, and have aided in economic stability. HAAM works with community partnerships to provide the services that Haley and Heidi outlined. Some of their partners are St. David's Foundation, Central Health, Waterloo Audiology, Austin Ear, Nose and Throat Clinic, Seton, Half Helen, and the YMCA. For more information about HAAM, go to www.myhaam.org.