Musicians provided with free healthcare services at HAAM's annual wellness pop-up
AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Music nonprofit Health Alliance for Austin Musicians, or HAAM, held its fourth annual healthcare and wellness service pop-up event for members on Tuesday.
The annual HAAM Loves You! (HLY!) event is a free, "one-stop shop" for healthcare and wellness services for Central Texas musicians, DJs and music teachers. The event offered several services, including hearing screenings, free or reduced-cost blood testing, free STI testing and overdose reversal materials and training, free chair massages, a discounted Austin YMCA membership sign-up and more.
According to HAAM, last year's HLY! provided more than $150,000 in healthcare services and products to nearly 170 HAAM members. The nonprofit was aiming to exceed that number at this year's event.
Rachel Blair, chief strategy officer at HAAM, said the organization hoped to have 200-250 musicians come through to take advantage of the free healthcare services offered Tuesday.
"It's so important for everyone to engage in preventative care, especially for musicians who are on the road and work super hard and have very physical jobs," Blair said.
Each year, HAAM provides about $16 million worth of healthcare services, according to a press release.
Musicians looking to join HAAM can find more information online. Those who are interested in supporting HAAM can find information online about how to volunteer, donate and get involved in other ways.