Healing Assistance Fund, Jan. 11, 2018

Michigan State University selected the Commonwealth Mediation and Conciliation Inc. (CMCI) and the Minnesota Coalition Against Sexual Assault (MNCASA) to help facilitate access to counseling and mental health services for the victims of former MSU physician Larry Nassar under the MSU Healing Assistance Fund.

The $10 million fund is available to MSU health clinic patients and student athletes whom Larry Nassar abused, as well as the parents of these victims. It was set up at the direction of MSU’s Board of Trustees in December 2017.

Survivors and their parents who need a referral to counseling or mental health services may call MNCASA to be connected with qualified providers in their areas, no matter where they live. A dedicated 24-hour phone line, (866) 407-1240, at MNCASA is also active.

MNCASA is a victim-oriented organization which provides resources and leadership for sexual assault prevention programs while promoting a comprehensive, socially just response for all survivors.

CMCI is a Boston-based mediation and arbitration firm with more than two decades of experience successfully resolving a large number of complex, multi-party cases.

As fund administrator, CMCI CEO Paul Finn, along with his colleagues Bernard Fitzgerald and Barbara Janelli, will work directly with victims to answer eligibility questions and facilitate access to the fund. Victims will be able to receive reimbursement for their expenses related to counseling and mental health services from a provider of their choice. Calls to CMCI’s main number, 1-800-540-2624, during normal business hours will be directed to Fitzgerald or Janelli. Or they can be reached any time via cell phone or email: Fitzgerald at (508) 269-4668, berniejfitzgerald@gmail.com; Janelli at (508) 561-1798, bjanelli1@yahoo.com.

All conversations with the trained experts in both organizations will be confidential.