Universal Music Group Introduces New Mental Health Fund in Partnership with Music Health Alliance

Universal music group’s new initiative

Universal Music Group has announced the launch of a new music medical fund in collaboration with Music Health Alliance – find out more below.

Details of the Mental Health Fund

Yesterday (February 13), Universal Music Group unveiled the Mental Health Fund for the music industry, which aims to provide mental health services to both current and former music professionals across the United States, including those not signed or associated with the label.

The partnership builds on a previous four-year health program developed by both organizations, offering personalized recommendations for mental health consultants, grants to cover costs, and financial resource recommendations to ensure ongoing medical care through supplementary financial and mental support.

In addition to the services offered through the Mental Health Fund, MHA also provides dental resources, individual and family medical insurance, support for elderly care, vision resources, and much more.

In the past, UMG and MHA assisted nearly 1,000 clients, saving them more than $12.5 million in healthcare expenses – – – to learn more about the Mental Health Fund for the music industry, click here.

It remains unclear whether the fund will expand to include professionals globally.

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The announcement of the fund comes shortly after former NME cover artist Chappell Roan won her first Grammy at this year’s ceremony on February 3. During her acceptance speech for Best New Artist, she called out the music industry and “demanded that these labels receive millions of dollars from artists’ wages and healthcare, especially for emerging artists.”

This speech earned applause from attendees and solid support across social media. However, not all figures in the music industry backed Roan’s call for better artist support. Jeffrey Rabhan, a veteran music director and former chairman of the Clive Davis Institute at New York University, responded to her remarks in a guest column for Hollywood Reporter, labeling her Grammy speech as “misguided” and “ignorant”.

“Good luck, baby,” Roan later fired back at Rabhan, sharing a screenshot of his article in which he claimed that the Missouri pop star was “no longer struggling to talk about it.”

Since then, Roan has received numerous comments about what has evolved into a crowdfunding campaign, expressing her hopes for industry changes rather than donations from fans and artists. Sabrina Carpenter, Charli XCX, and Noah Kahan have all pledged $25,000 in donations, with Chappell matching the amount to the nonprofit organization in the industry, Backline.

“My personal experience shared on the Grammy stage was not meant to be a crowdfunding stunt, but rather a call to action for industry leaders to step up, help us create real changes, and protect our investments in a sustainable manner,” she conveyed in her Instagram Stories.

“Fans, you don’t need to sacrifice a dime. This is one of many opportunities for industry powers to show up for artists. There’s so much more work to be done.”

Recently, Ariana Grande also weighed in on the discussion, urging entertainment companies to include mental health services in artists’ contracts.

“It is crucial that these recording labels, studios, television productions, and large production companies become part of the contracts when you sign up for something that changes your life. You may need a therapist several times a week,” she stated.

“When these individuals take on roles that profoundly change their lives, or when they receive this breakthrough moment, that should not even be subject to discussion in the contract,” Grande continued. “Being an artist means being a vulnerable person with your heart on your sleeve.”