THE COUNTRY MUSIC ASSOCIATION INVESTS $600,000 TO HELP SUSTAIN MUSIC INDUSTRY MENTAL HEALTH ORGANIZATIONS
Six Organizations Each Receive $100,000 to Support Growing Infrastructure Needs Amid a Heightened Increase in Demand for Mental Health Resources
The Country Music Association (CMA), the leading trade association supporting the Country Music industry, is proud to announce a $600,000 investment to help sustain six music industry-affiliated organizations operating in the mental health space. Amber Health, Backline, ECCHO Live (formerly Touring Career Workshop), Music Health Alliance, MusiCares, and Porter’s Call will each receive $100,000 to strengthen critical infrastructure needs as they work to meet the growing demand for mental health resources. Learn more about the six organizations HERE.
“We strongly believe in supporting the heart of our industry—our people,” says Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer. “This investment demonstrates CMA’s commitment to addressing the growing demand for mental health resources within our business, whether that means counseling, healthcare advocacy, financial guidance, substance abuse care, disaster relief, or even basic living needs. We’ve seen firsthand the devastation and emotional impact caused by the recent Los Angeles wildfires and the catastrophic flooding brought on by hurricanes in parts of North Carolina, Tennessee and Florida a few months ago. The organizations we’ve partnered with are on the front lines of all aspects of mental health, and by partnering with each of them, we’re doing our part to support the vital work they do every day. Our hope is that this not only provides meaningful support but also sparks broader awareness and action around sustaining mental health resources in our format. Together, we are shaping an industry that prioritizes health, humanity, and creativity, ensuring that the business can continue to flourish without compromising the well-being of its people.”
The investment represents more than funding—it reflects CMA’s unwavering commitment to innovating and addressing the unique challenges facing the music industry. The unique nature of the music business—one built on the creativity and artistry that makes it so special—also places immense pressure on those who bring it to life. The demands of touring, creating, and working in an industry that thrives on vulnerability and emotional expression often take a toll on mental health at a pace that exceeds other industries. CMA recognizes that mental health resources are no longer optional—they are essential. By supporting these organizations, CMA is not just addressing the growing needs of today but also building a more sustainable and supportive future for the people who are the heart and soul of Country Music.
The initiative is a bold step forward for the Nashville-based trade association, reaffirming CMA’s role as a leader in not only celebrating artistry but also safeguarding the well-being of the individuals who make the genre thrive.
Data shows the critical need for mental health action in the music industry. In 2019, Amber Health’s research team conducted the Touring Health and Wellness Survey, which gathered vital insights from over 1,400 touring professionals. It highlighted the prevalence of key mental health outcomes and uncovered the factors impacting mental and physical health, thereby establishing critical baseline data in an under-researched population. The results of this survey provided the first comprehensive look at the health challenges faced by touring professionals and laid the foundation for much future research.
- 34% reported suffering from clinical levels of depression vs. 7% for the general population
- 74% reported that touring strained their relationships
- 26% reported serious suicidal ideation (either a previous suicide attempt or considering suicide within the past year)
- 45% reported drinking alcohol regularly
- 58% reported having lost a tour colleague to suicide
- 17% reported attending therapy even monthly (or more often)
Today, CMA launched its mental health hub at CMAmember.com/mentalhealth, serving as a comprehensive portal for industry members and offering information on accessing mental health and wellness support through the six partner organizations. Whether you know exactly what you’re seeking, or you need guidance to find the best resources for yourself or others, the platform is a centralized tool that empowers music professionals to access tailored mental health and wellness resources with ease.
Read more about each of the six CMA partner organizations below.
Amber Health
Amber Health delivers tailored mental health and wellness solutions for artists, tours, festivals, and music companies. Their team of licensed clinicians offers compassionate, industry-informed care through a wide range of services, from proactive mental health support to on-the-ground clinical programming. For more information, visit https://amber.health/.
Backline
Backline is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that connects music industry professionals and their families with mental health and wellness resources—streamlining access to a network of trusted organizations and care providers that understand this line of work. With case management, support groups, and wellness offerings, Backline curates their programs to meet the industry where they are—on or off the road. For more information, visit https://backline.care/.
ECCHO Live (formerly Touring Career Workshop)
ECCHO Live focuses on the health and well-being of live music professionals, offering education, resources, and community to address challenges unique to touring life. Their services include financial guidance, wellness programs, and career support. For more information, visit https://www.touringcareerworkshop.com/all-access.
Music Health Alliance
Music Health Alliance is a nationwide nonprofit helping music professionals access affordable and comprehensive healthcare, including mental health services. They do this by removing barriers and providing solutions to restore health and the overall well-being of their clients at no cost. For more information, visit https://www.musichealthalliance.com/what-we-do/ or call 615-200-6896.
MusiCares
MusiCares helps the humans behind music because music gives so much to the world. Offering preventive, emergency, and recovery programs, MusiCares is a safety net supporting the health and welfare of the music community. Founded by the Recording Academy in 1989 as a U.S. based, independent 501(c)(3) charity, MusiCares safeguards the well-being of all music people through direct financial grant programs, networks of support resources, and tailored crisis relief efforts. For more information, visit MusiCares.org.
Porter’s Call
Porter’s Call serves the touring music artist community with mental and emotional health support specifically attuned to their unique profession and free of charge. A safe and confidential refuge, Porter’s Call invites artists and their spouses/partners to share their stories with guides who understand the challenges they face both on and off the stage, caring for the broken within the beautiful. For more information, visit PortersCall.com.
About the Country Music Association
Founded in 1958, CMA is the premier trade association of the Country Music industry. Representing professionals making a living in Country Music globally, the organization serves as a critical resource of support and information, honors excellence in the genre and provides a forum for industry leadership. CMA is dedicated to expanding Country Music around the world through a number of core programs and initiatives including the organization’s three annual television properties—the CMA Awards, “CMA Fest” and “CMA Country Christmas,” all of which air on ABC. The organization’s philanthropic arm, the CMA Foundation, works tirelessly to provide equitable access to music education in order to create impactful change for students and teachers across the United States.
For more information about CMA Membership, visit CMAworld.com/membership.
