Town of Arlington
Department of Health and Human Services
Christine Bongiorno, Director
27 Maple St.
Arlington, MA 02476
For Immediate Release
Wednesday, Oct. 10, 2018
Media Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net
*Media Advisory*
Arlington Youth Counseling Center to Honor Chief Frederick Ryan at 8th Annual Gala
ARLINGTON — The 8th annual AYCC Gala will be held at Arlington Town Hall later this month. This year the Gala honoree will be Arlington Police Chief, Fred Ryan, who has been a pioneer in community collaboration to address issues around mental health and substance abuse.
WHEN:
Friday, Oct. 26, from 7-11 p.m.
WHERE:
Arlington Town Hall
WHAT:
Chief Ryan has been recognized locally and nationally as a leader in innovative approaches to law enforcement’s role in responding to the opioid epidemic, and AYCC will honor him for his contributions to the fight against addiction.
Over the past several years, there has been a significant increase in reported anxiety in children and adolescents nationwide. AYCC has seen a parallel increase in referrals from parents, teachers and from students themselves looking for help with symptoms of anxiety, depression and other mental health issues.
The Arlington community is fortunate to have a local facility that is easily accessible and where licensed mental health clinicians are familiar with the local schools and social services. AYCC also provides affordable psychiatric services for children who would not otherwise have access to these critical services.
The annual AYCC Gala raises funds to support the mental health services offered at AYCC, including free and reduced fee services for clients with limited or no insurance coverage. Proceeds from the Gala also help to fund other critical programs and activities that are not typically reimbursed by insurance, including groups for survivors of domestic violence, community resource services for residents in need and underfunded psychiatric services.
In addition to raising funds, the evening is an opportunity to socialize with other community members, bid on fabulous silent auction items, taste a wide array of hors d’oeuvres, enjoy music by the Arlington High School Jazz Band, and honor Chief Ryan.
Tickets are available online at https://www.ayccma.org/gala/.
About AYCC:
Arlington Youth Counseling Center (AYCC) is a licensed community mental health center specifically dedicated to Arlington youth and their families. It is the leading provider of outpatient and school-based child and adolescent mental health services in town. AYCC provides services to over 350 Arlington children and their families each year, regardless of their ability to pay.
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