

What do you know about the Hancock Health Connection Center? The Connection Center, originally established almost a decade ago as Healthy365, aims to connect people with local resources to help them lead healthy lives. While most calls concern mental health or substance misuse issues, the Connection Center can connect patients to a wide range of programs and services. Let’s take a closer look at what you can find when you visit the Connection Center at 120 W. McKenzie Road in Greenfield or call 317-468-4231.
A listening ear
When someone visits or calls the Connection Center, they are often referred to a trained support navigator. In our research, we have discovered that many Hancock County and surrounding area residents simply don’t know where to begin when they have a specific need. That’s where our support navigators can help. They are here to listen without judgment. Our support navigators are not counselors, but they can help connect people with professional counseling services, if necessary. They are also familiar with Hancock County’s many resources, like the Kenneth Butler Memorial Soup Kitchen in Greenfield for people who need a warm meal, or the Recovery Café in Greenfield for people who are looking for a second chance.
Support for those who struggle with substance misuse
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration found that 48.7 million people aged 12 and older in the US had a substance use disorder in 2022. Alcohol misuse and substance misuse can affect anyone, regardless of their education levels, socioeconomic status or family upbringing. But the effects of substance misuse go far beyond the person who is struggling. Family members and friends can be adversely affected.
The Connection Center can help affected individuals and their loved ones access appropriate mental health resources in the community, whether that’s a support group, outpatient counseling, or even an inpatient stay when necessary. The Connection Center also offers Peer Support Specialists, trained individuals who have been on similar journeys to recovery. Peer Support Specialists bring their unique experiences to the relationship, as they work to support others who are seeking sobriety.
Navigating the justice system
The Connection Center’s justice navigation team works to assist incarcerated individuals who are near their release dates. Our program has discovered that the challenges don’t often end when someone is released from incarceration. Instead, people may need help finding shelter, employment and even seasonably appropriate clothing. Supportive services help reduce recidivism and help people move into new, productive roles. The Connection Center also collaborates with local community corrections and probation departments, to provide clinical assessments and appropriate interventions when necessary.
Meeting people where they are
A mental health or substance misuse situation sometimes requires a more personalized approach. Ideally, the person who needs help will call or visit the Connection Center. But it that’s not possible, our Mobile Response Team is staffed with trained clinicians and peer recovery specialists who are willing to travel for someone who is experiencing mental health or substance misuse distress. The mobile response team assesses the situation individually, offering help before a concern becomes an emergency. Local law enforcement agencies are familiar with the team and often work hand-in-hand to locate the necessary resources for the person who is struggling.
Reaching out to the community
The Connection Center team may be housed at 120 W. McKenzie Road, but our work often involves interacting with the community through outreach, prevention and training. We offer free quarterly QPR suicide prevention training at various locations, teaching participants how to Question, Persuade, and Refer some who is considering self-harm or suicide.
We also work to be a trauma informed community by offering free ACE Interface training, which helps us understand how we are impacted by Adverse Childhood Experiences. These training sessions can be found on our website and can be scheduled upon request.
Our team also brings several supportive and self-care services under one roof for our annual Rise Above It program in November. This popular program lets participants indulge in some self-care like massages and therapy dog cuddles while they learn about the many local community resources that are available to them.
Addressing spiritual care and chaplaincy
Hancock Health believes in providing compassionate care that addresses the whole person, and that includes spiritual care. People who are seeking spiritual assistance during their healthcare journeys can be referred to religious groups, spiritual counselors or chaplains who can provide spiritual support during a difficult period. We can also direct people to religious-based counseling and support services. Our spiritual care program takes an interfaith approach, working with a religiously diverse group of local spiritual care providers.
Get the support you need
The Hancock Health Connection Center is always working to expand our outreach and meet the needs of people who are struggling with the challenges of everyday life. We like to see ourselves as trained guides who help people navigate their life journeys. If you’re not sure where to begin, begin with the Hancock Health Connection Center. Stop by our office during regular business hours or call us at 317-468-4231. As always, if you are experiencing a crisis situation, we encourage you to call or text 988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, which is available 24 hours. You can also call 911 and ask for a CIT (Crisis Intervention Team) Officer or present to the ER.