MHAC Hosts Legends of Rock Exhibit

They say that Dan Fong captures the soul of the artist he is photographing, and who wouldn’t want to see the soul of the likes of Mick Jagger, Roger Daltrey, Tommy Bolin and Waylon Jennings?

Dan Fong’s retrospective photos from the highest echelons of rock ‘n roll were on display Thursday night as part of a fundraiser to call attention to and support the programs of Mental Health America of Colorado (MHAC). President and CEO Don Mares added his own flavor by playing some rock favorites with his band “Nearly There!,” and special appearances by Firefall’s Jock Bartley and Dan Fong’s daughter Megan Fong added to the memorable evening.

The late Barry Fey was supposed to also be on hand for this magical stroll through the coliseums and backstage antics of rock legends. Barry’s spirit permeated both the pictures displayed and the sentiments of guests (he was in a few photos and produced the concerts of most) . The main message was clear: that we need to pay more attention to mental health calls for help and address still largely misunderstood stigmas of suicide, depression and other mental health conditions.

This year marks the 60^th anniversary of Mental Health America of Colorado, originally called the Colorado Association for Mental Health.

The need for focused attention to mental health is as great as ever.  According to the Status of Behavioral Healthcare Report 2011, written by Advancing Colorado’s Mental Health Care, 3 in 10 Coloradans are in need of mental health or substance use disorder treatment in any given year.  Colorado ranks 32^nd in the nation for the amount of public sector mental health spending.  Colorado ranks 6^th in the country for the number of suicides each year.  There is a significant shortage in the number of mental health providers in the state and there are greater barriers to mental health care for many communities, includingminorities, rural dwellers, the LGBT community, and veterans.

MHAC’s Tribute event will be October 26, 2013, where never before released photos by Dan Fong will be available through auction. You can also view and purchase these rare treasures through Mr. Fong’s website: www.thecreativeeyellc.com