'; setTimeout(function() { var videoIframe909896734501941118Actual = document.getElementById("video-iframe-909896734501941118").contentDocument; videoIframe909896734501941118Actual.open().write(videoIframe909896734501941118Content); videoIframe909896734501941118Actual.close(); }, 500);

0 Comments

loss of Innocent Life Due to Lack of Knowledge - Part Two

5/1/2014

0 Comments

 
0 Comments

It is unacceptable that people be hurt

3/26/2014

0 Comments

 

It is unacceptable that people who are suffering from and struggling with mental health issues in their life be at risk of injury, trauma, assault or even death in their interactions with police officers whose only training as "being a good police officer"  leads them to a course of action that produces tragedy.  There is ample evidence that CIT training (Crisis Intervention Training) makes a difference. The "Memphis Model" has made an impact in many communities both large and small. Tragedies may continue to happen, but to expect and accept them as the cost of doing business as normal is simply and deeply wrong.

A few days ago I talked with a man whose 39-year-old "mentally ill" son had been attacked, beaten up and tasered by police in this community who "were doing their job."  Over the last few days I have spent a lot of time thinking about other incidents I either have direct knowledge of  or I have heard about.  And it has left me deeply troubled.

There are lots of people to blame and many people seem intent on solving the problem by trying to figure out who to blame.  I hear people talk about needing more psychiatric hospitals, more coercive treatment options etc.  I dont think there are really going to be an appreciable increase in psychiatric beds regardless of where you stand on the argument, rather you think it is a good idea or not.  Financially it simply not an option.  Arguments that vastly increasing AOT (assisted outpatient treatment) can solve the problem are not honest or realistic.

Someone will be the next Kelly Thomas.  Someone will be the next person a police officer faces on the street corner or in their home or in the jail.  It is happening right now.  It will be happening in a few minutes.  It will be happening tomorrow.  And what stops it from being someone you know, someone you care about, or even you.

It is pointless to bemoan the fact that police are being asked to do things they are not trained to do and then do absolutely nothing about providing them that training.  It is as unfair to the officer who is trying to do the best he can as it is to the person he is trying to deal with.

As far as I know the decision to implement CIT training is a local decision and depends very much on the financial resources of that community as well as the commitment to training that local officials may have.  Many communities, like the one I live in, have gotten officers involved in a piecemeal fashion but they are largely at the mercy of who offers the training and when.

Again, no one should be the victim of where they live.  I have been following in recent days the effort of New York state to deal with the same issue.  The proposal that is currently being fought over is whether or not to include in the state budget funds for what they are calling a "center of excellence for CIT training."  The idea, as I understand it, is for the state to establish a resource that could help communities access CIT training in a way they can afford and in a way that is most effective to them.  It shifts the burden of the argument from "is it practical?  Can we afford to do it?" to "Can we afford to not do it?"

It is too late for anything like that to happen in Tennessee this year, but is not to late to start the conversation.  Several other states already have chosen to establish something like "a center of excellence for CIT."  Some have found access to federal funding.  Others have found grants from other sources.

In the end, it not only saves lives but also saves money because of the injuries and traumas it prevents.

A couple of days I had a post which included a video of the beating of Kelly Thomas.  I made myself watch the video several days before the post and was horrified.  If you havent watched the video and still doubt the importance of what I am talking about watch the video yourself.  I have also seen videos of other beatings from virtually all over the country.  It is more than a Tennessee problem but it is a Tennessee problem.

In the days and weeks that follow I will be revisiting this conversation over and over.  I am by no means anywhere close to an expert.  If you think you know more than me on the subject there is a good chance you are correct.  My goal is to start a conversation, a widespread conversation, in Tennessee that prepares the ground to talk about this issue not as one that affects isolated localities but every person in this state.

It is a conversation I hope you will join.

Larry Drain, hope works community blog

0 Comments

Larry Drain: Open Letter to Governor Haslam

2/19/2014

0 Comments

 

A very personal plea for medicaid expansion: a letter to the governor

By Hopeworkscommunity

Dear Governor Haslam:
I want to start by first thanking you for your decision to restore funding to peer support centers in Tennessee.  As a mental health advocate I can tell you it is one of the best decisions you have ever made and I am so thankful you made it.

But my decision to write this letter is about much more than the peer support centers.  In your state of the state message you talked a couple of times about the importance of government giving good customer service.  You seemed to put a lot of stock in that idea.  It was not the first time I have heard you speak about it.  The decision to fund peer centers was a great example of good customer service.

My hope is that you will consider my request in the light of that concept.  I am in a desperate situation and without your help I dont know where to turn.

I want to ask you to reconsider your stance on medicaid expansion.  I know you are in a tough spot.  Anything that makes the Tea Party mad faces great obstacles in Tennessee and few things make them angrier than health care reform.  Perhaps what I am asking you is impossible for you to politically do.  Several people have told me it is.

As I said my situation is desparate.  Let me take a minute to describe it.

I have been “free” of health care insurance for many years.  It is a freedom I would gladly lose.  I have been told that I need surgery.  The surgery is a minor one that thousands of people undergo every year.  No insurance means no surgery.  The doctor tells me the lack of surgery though may not be a minor thing though, that in fact if my condition should become an emergency my life may be in danger.  I pray every day not to die a preventable death.  Many people have far more dangerous situations than me and face far more immediate risk.  Being poor should never, at least not in Tennessee be the cause of anyone’s death.  And without action on your part it will be though.

My desperation though is not based purely on issues of my health.  It goes far deeper than that.

My wife is disabled and has been on TennCare for a while.  She is a TennCare miracle.  Without it she would have died long ago.  Even with all her progress without it she would no live a month.  In order to save her insurance and in a very real sense her life after 32 years of marriage we have had to separate.  I dont know, without TennCare expansion we can ever live together again.

The situation is very complex, but let me share it with you as briefly as I can.  My wife receives SSI for disabilities.  Recently I took retirement from Social Security.  It was the worst decision I have ever made.

We found out that in Social Security’s eyes, even though our combined checks left us below poverty, we made far too much money.  Linda lost over $700 and her check was reduced to $20 a month.  I told Social Security that I would have to get a job in order for us to survive.  We figured without her check we had about $40 to live on for the month of January and we just cant live like that.  Who could??

Social Security told us that since her TennCare was disability based and not income based (like it would be if TennCare was expanded) that if I made over $85 a month her TennCare would be lost.

I love my wife and wont let her die.  The day after Christmas we separated.  The hope is that with a separate address she can regain her SSI check.  My hope is to move as close to her as possible.  Right now I do not see how we can ever live together again.

You do not make the rules for Social Security and none of that is your fault.  The law is what it is and despite its cruelty and hurtfulness we have no choice but to do our best to live with it.  A law that supports the break up of thousands of marriages seems so evil, but I dont right now see how I can affect it.

I am asking for your help though.  Maybe I dont have the right but I have no where else to turn.  I know you deeply love and care for your wife.  What would you say to me if our situations were reversed??

Please act.  Whatever the resolution please act.  My wife will keep her TennCare.  I will never do anything to put that in jeopardy.  Without your help though my marriage will not survive and for Linda and I that is a death of a different sort.

 

 

 

 

 

.


0 Comments

All 45 Peer Support Centers Survive, Thanks for Raising Your Voices

2/3/2014

0 Comments

 
Larry Drain, Legislative Liaison for DBSA Tennessee, published the flowing blog on his Hope Works Community blog site this evening. He is responsible for DBSA Tennessee's advocacy effort beginning with his Nov. 25, 2013 blog to bring attention to the crisis. Larry wrote:
 "Now word has come that funding for peer support centers is to be totally stopped. The fate of 45 centers and all the people they serve is uncertain at best. The department has managed to find the smallest possible cut that affects the most possible people."

At Larry's recommendations, DBSA Tennessee became the first statewide consumer organization to take action; first, with a Christmas card to the Governor Campaign and, later, an online petition to urge Governor Haslam to cancel plans to close the centers. Recruiting organizational leadership, Larry was the first to post an "Open Letter to the Governor" from the State Director, DBSA Tennessee. 

Additionally, Larry's strong desire to save the peer support centers led him to write numerous blogs, place numerous phone calls, and speak directly to leaders and advocates representing peer service organizations. He can take pleasure in the fact that his efforts were fruitful. And he can be comforted that thousands of the most vulnerable of our brother and sister consumers can enjoy the safe haven of 45 peer support centers in the days to come. 

We applaud Larry for his work and perseverance. Thanks, Larry.
Steve

Peer Support lives
February 3, 2014 

hopeworkscommunity blog


It was announced tonight in Governor Haslam’s 2014 budget for the state of Tennessee that proposed budget cuts that would have closed all 45 peer support centers in Tennessee has been rescinded and all peer support centers will be fully funded. 

Thanks to a governor who listened and to so many who spoke out.


It has been a good night for all of us. 

Much to be thankful for.  Glad to have some good news to share.

0 Comments

Speak with the decision-makers

1/28/2014

0 Comments

 

The attached document contains  a ‘pairing’ of PSC’s with their area’s Senator & Representative. For those of you planning on attending Mental Health Day on the Hill, this year, I’m hoping you can take some consumers with you. It would be great if you can use this document,  early on,& go ahead & call your area legislators for appointment times. M H ‘Day on the Hill is March 18ththis year.

I would like to know when you set appointments, so I can try to be with you. Obviously, the huge issue for Mental Health Consumers is the matter of Governor Haslam’s desire to eliminate funding for the Peer Centers. Let’s all in regions VI, & VII  “put it together”, & influence our Legislators as to how important pro-mental health legislation is. And particularly how very important it is to keep our Peer Support Centers running. You can let me hear from you by, or by my cell #:

PEER SUPPORT CENTERS IN TENNESSEE

 

REGION I

 

FRONTIER HEALTH SERVICES
Host Agency Contact: Mary Fultineer
26 Midway Street
Bristol TN 37620

 

CONTACT:SENATOR RON RAMSEY--

​​

 

​​REPRESENTATIVE JON LUNDBERG--

​​

 

Open Arms
Coordinator: Angela Prater

1400 Windsor Avenue
Bristol, TN 37620
Open: Monday-Thursday 8:30 am - 6:30 pm
Counties Covered: Sullivan

 

CONTACT:SENATOR RON RAMSEY--

​​

 

​​REPRESENTATIVE JON LUNDBERG--

​​

 

 

Friendship House
Coordinator: Glenda Edwards

805 West Walnut Street
Johnson City, TN 37604
Open: Tuesday-Thursday 8 am – 5 pm
Counties Covered: Unicoi, Washington, Carter

 

CONTACT:SENATOR RUSTY CROWE--

​​

 

​​REPRESENTATIVE MATTHEW HILL--

​​

 

Friendship Connection
Coordinator: Melissa Frazier

117 Wexler Street
Kingsport, TN 37660
Open: Monday-Thursday 9 am-6 pm
Counties Covered: Sullivan

 

CONTACT:SENATOR RON RAMSEY--

​​

 

​​REPRESENTATIVE TONY SHIPLEY--

​​

 

Freedom Peer Support Center – Greeneville
Coordinator: Charles McLain

616 East Church Street
Greenville, TN 37743
Open: Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri 11 am-5 pm
Counties Covered: Greene, Hawkins

 

CONTACT:SENATOR STEVE SOUTHERLAND--

​​

​​

​​REPRESENTATIVE DAVID HAWK--

​​

 

Higher Ground
Coordinator: Charles Justice

1404 Crossroads Drive
Mountain City, TN 37683
Open: Tues, Wed, Thurs, Fri 9 am-5 pm
Counties Covered: Johnson

 

CONTACT:SENATOR RON RAMSEY--

​​

 

​​REPRESENTATIVE TIMOTHY HILL--

​​

 

 

New Start - Sneedville
Coordinator: Charles McLain

119 Nora Alder Drive
Sneedville, TN 37689
Open: Tues, Wed, Thurs, Fri 12-5 pm
Counties Covered: Hancock

 

CONTACT:SENATOR FRANK NICELEY--(615)

​​

 

​​REPRESENTATIVE MIKE HARRISON--(423)

​​

 

 

REGION II

 

CHEROKEE HEALTH SYSTEMS
Host Agency Contact: Stella Melton
or
215 Hedrick Drive
Newport, TN 37821

 

CONTACT:SENATOR STEVE SOUTHERLAND--(423)

​​

 

​​REPRESENTATIVE JEREMY FAISON--(615)

​​

 

 

Health Recovery Group-Morristown
Peer Counselor: Mike Clayton

815 W 5th North Street
Morristown, TN 37814
Hours: Mon, Wed, Fri 1-4 pm
Counties covered: Hamblen, Cocke

 

CONTACT:SENATOR STEVE SOUTHERLAND---(423)

​​

 

​​REPRESENTATIVE TILMAN GOINS--(423)

​​

 

 

 

Health Recovery Group-Newport
Peer Counselor: Mike Clayton
or
215 Hedrick Drive
Newport, TN 37821
Hours: Tues &Thurs 1-4 pm
Counties covered: Hamblen, Cocke

 

CONTACT:SENATOR STEVE SOUTHERLAND--(423)

​​

 

​​REPRESENTATIVE JEREMY FAISON--(615)

​​

 

 

 

RIDGEVIEW PSYCHIATRIC HOSPITAL & CENTER
Host Agency Contact: Sharon Stratton

240 West Tyrone Road
Oak Ridge, TN 37830

 

CONTACT:SENATOR RANDY MCNALLY--(865)

​​

 

​​REPRESENTATIVE JOHN RAGAN--(865)

​​

 

 

Friendship Place
Coordinator: Linda King

201 Sewanee Street #100
Harriman, TN 37748
Open: Tues – Fri 12 PM to 5:30 PM
Counties Covered: Morgan

 

CONTACT:SENATOR KEN YAGER--(865)

​​

 

 

​​REPRESENTATIVE KENT CALFEE--(615)

​​

 

 

Horizons
Coordinator: Linda White

11 Joel Lane
Oak Ridge, TN 37830
Open: Wed – Sat 12 PM to 5:30 PM
Counties Covered: Anderson

 

CONTACT:SENATOR RANDY MCNALLY--(865)

​​

 

​​REPRESENTATIVE JOHN RAGAN--(865)

​​

 

 

Wings
Coordinator: Barbara Smith

1327 East Central Avenue, Suite 5
Lafollette, TN 37766
Open: Wed – Thurs, 11 AM - 6; Fri, 11 AM – 7 PM Sat, 10 AM – 6 PM
Counties Covered: Campbell

 

CONTACT:SENATOR KEN YAGER--(865)

​​

 

​​REPRESENTATIVE DENNIS POWERS--(615)

​​

 

 

HELEN ROSS MCNABB CENTER
Host Agency Contact: Jana Morgan

526 Lamar Street
Knoxville, TN 37917

 

CONTACT:SENATOR STACY CAMPFIELD--(865)

​​

 

​​REPRESENTATIVE GLORIA JOHNSON--(865)

​​

 

 

Friendship House

Coordinator: Michelle Palmer

526 Lamar Street
Knoxville, TN 37917
Open: Tues., Thurs. & Sat. 10 AM to 2 PM
Wed. & Fri. 10 AM to 6 PM
Counties Covered: Knox

 

CONTACT:SENATOR STACY CAMPFIELD--(865)

​​

 

​​REPRESENTATIVE GLORIA JOHNSON--(865)

​​

 

 

PENINSULA BEHAVIORAL HEALTH
Host Agency Contact: Mary Nelle Osborne

1451 Dowell Springs Blvd Suite 101
Knoxville, TN 37909-2451

 

CONTACT:SENATOR STACY CAMPFIELD--(865)

​​

 

​​REPRESENTATIVE STEVE HALL--

​​

 

 

Maryville Wellness Recovery Center
Coordinator: Joey Amason

532 E. Broadway Avenue
Box 9
Maryville, TN 37804
Open: Mon – Thus, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Counties Covered: Blount

 

CONTACT:SENATOR DOUG OVERBEY--

​​

 

​​REPRESENTATIVE ART SWANN--

​​

 

 

 

Sevierville Wellness Recovery Center
Coordinator: Marjorie Diefenbach

509 High Street
Sevierville, TN 37862
Open: Mon – Thur, 11 am – 6 pm
Counties Covered: Sevier

 

CONTACT:SENATOR DOUG OVERBEY--

​​

 

​​REPRESENTATIVE DALE CARR--

​​

 

 

Knox Wellness Recovery Center
Interim Coordinator: Leslie Judson

1451 Dowell Spring Road
Knoxville, TN 37919
Open: Tuesday- Thursday 3-7
Counties Covered: Knox

 

CONTACT:SENATOR STACY CAMPFIELD--

​​

 

​​REPRESENTATIVE STEVE HALL--

​​

 

 

REGION III

 

FORTWOOD CENTER
Host Agency Contact: Dot Stephens

1028 East 3rd Street
Chattanooga, TN 37403

 

CONTACT:SENATOR TODD GARDENHIRE--

​​

 

​​REPRESENTATIVE JOANNE FAVORS--

​​

 

Lighthouse Peer Support Center
Coordinator: Marty Davis

509 South Highland Park
Chattanooga, TN 37403-4116
Open: Monday – Thursday 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday – 10:00 AM – 3:30 PM
Counties Covered: Hamilton

 

CONTACT:SENATOR TODD GARDENHIRE--

​​

 

​​REPRESENTATIVE JOANNE FAVORS--

​​

 

 

VOLUNTEER BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CARE SYSTEM
Host Agency Contact: Vicki Harden

 

 

The Cottage
Coordinator: Paul Turney

112 College Street
Jasper, TN 37347
Open: Mon, Wed, Fri 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Tues &Thurs 10:30 AM – 7:00 pm
Counties Covered: Marion, Grundy

 

CONTACT:SENATOR JANICE BOWLING--

​​

 

​​REPRESENTATIVE BILLY SPIVEY--

​​

 

 

Dakoda Place - Athens
Coordinator: Tina Gesolgon

PO Box 685
424 Old Riceville Road
Athens, TN 37303
Open: Monday – Friday 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Counties Covered: McMinn

 

CONTACT:SENATOR MIKE BELL--

​​

 

​​REPRESENTATIVE JOHN FORGETY--

​​

 

 

Dakoda Place - Cleveland
Coordinator: Tina Gesolgon

940 South Ocoee Street
Cleveland, TN 37311
Open: Tues & Thurs 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Counties Covered: Bradley

 

CONTACT:SENATOR MIKE BELL--

​​

 

​​REPRESENTATIVE KEVIN BROOKS--

​​

 

 

Friends & Company
Coordinator: Angela Smithers
or
1200 S. Willow Avenue
Cookeville, TN 38503
Open: Tues 12-5; Wed - Fri 9-5
Counties Covered: Putnam, White

 

CONTACT:SENATOR CHARLOTTE BURKS--

​​

 

​​REPRESENTATIVE RYAN WILLIAMS--

​​

 

 

Friendship Circle
Coordinator: Becky Porter

412 Delaware Avenue
Dayton, TN 37321
Open: Monday – Friday 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Counties Covered: Rhea

 

CONTACT:SENATOR KEN YAGER--(865)

​​

 

​​REPRESENTATIVE RON TRAVIS--

​​

 

 

My Friends House
Coordinator: Linda Joan Smith

209 B South Church Street
Livingston, TN 38570
Open: Monday – Friday 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Counties Covered: Overton, Clay, Pickett

 

CONTACT:SENATOR CHARLOTTE BURKS--

​​

 

​​REPRESENTATIVE JOHN MARK WINDLE--

​​

 

 

 

PREPS Center
Coordinator: Sandra Crabtree

47 Willow Street
Crossville, TN 38555
Open: Mon - Fri 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
2nd Friday 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
2nd Saturday 9:00 AM – 1:30 PM
Counties Covered: Cumberland

 

CONTACT:SENATOR CHARLOTTE BURKS--

​​

 

​​REPRESENTATIVE CAMERON SEXTON--

​​

 

 

Harmony House
Coordinator: Mary Webb

107 Lyon Street Suite 3
McMinnville, TN 37110
Open: Monday - Thursday, 8 am to 2 pm
Counties covered: Warren

 

CONTACT:SENATOR JANICE BOWLING--

​​

 

​​REPRESENTATIVE CHARLES CURTISS--

​​

 

 

 

REGION IV

 


CENTERSTONE


Host Agency Contact: Mary Moran

1101 Sixth Avenue North
Nashville, TN 37208

 

CONTACT:SENATOR THELMA HARPER--

​​

 

​​REPRESENTATIVE MIKE TURNER--

​​

 

 

ReConnect Nashville
Coordinator: Greg Bennett
or
1101 Sixth Avenue North
Nashville, TN 37208
Open: Monday – Friday 10 – 4 open one Saturday per month
Counties Covered: Davidson

 

CONTACT:SENATOR THELMA HARPER--

​​

 

​​REPRESENTATIVE MIKE TURNER--

​​

 

REGION V

 

CENTERSTONE
Host Agency Contact: Mary Moran

1101 Sixth Avenue North
Nashville, TN 37208

 

CONTACT:SENATOR THELMA HARPER--

​​

 

​​REPRESENTATIVE MIKE TURNER--

​​

 

 

ReConnect Clarksville
Regional Coordinator: Carla Sanders
or
611 8th St.
Clarksville, TN 37040
Open: Mon – Fri 10 – 4; open one Saturday per month
Counties Covered: Montgomery, Robertson

 

CONTACT:SENATOR MARK GREEN--

​​

 

​​REPRESENTATIVE JOE PITTS--

​​

 

 

ReConnect Dickson
Regional Coordinator: Carla Sanders
or
224 N Main ST
Dickson, TN 37055-1802
Open: Mon – Fri 10 – 4; open one Saturday per month
Counties Covered: Dickson

 

CONTACT:SENATOR JIM SUMMERVILLE--

​​

 

​​REPRESENTATIVE DAVID SHEPARD--

​​

 

 

ReConnect Tullahoma
Regional Coordinator: Brenda Hargrove

709 North Davidson St
Tullahoma, TN 37388
Open: Mon – Fri 10 – 4; open one Saturday per month
Counties Covered: Coffee, Lincoln

 

CONTACT:SENATOR JANICE BOWLING--

​​

 

​​REPRESENTATIVE JUDD MATHENY--

​​

 

 

ReConnect Columbia
Regional Coordinator: Wanda Yeager
or
6011 Trotwood Avenue
Columbia, TN 38401
Open: Mon – Fri 10 – 4; open one Saturday per month
Counties Covered: Maury, Lawrence

 

CONTACT:SENATOR JOEY HENSLEY--

​​

 

​​REPRESENTATIVVE SHEILA BUTT--

​​

 

 

ReConnect Shelbyville
Contact Person: Brenda Hargrove
or
1110 Woodbury Street
Shelbyville, TN 37160
Open: Mon – Fri 10 – 4; open one Saturday per month
Counties Covered: Bedford

 

CONTACT:SENATOR JIM TRACY--

​​

 

​​REPRESENTATIVE PAT MARSH--

​​

 

 

VOLUNTEER BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CARE SYSTEM
Host Agency Contact: Vicki Harden

 

 

Enrichment House
Coordinator: Effie Cates

538 East Main Street
Gallatin, TN 37066
Open: Tues – Fri 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Counties Covered: Sumner, Wilson

 

CONTACT:SENATOR FERRELL HAILE—(

​​

 

​​REPRESENTATIVE WILLIAM LAMBERTH--

​​

 

 

Our Place
Coordinator: Lyndi Shupp

120 S. Hancock Street
Murfreesboro, TN 37130
Open: Mon – Thurs & Sat 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Counties Covered: Rutherford

 

CONTACT:SENATOR BILL KETRON--

​​

 

​​REPRESENTATIVE RICK WOMICK--

​​

 

 

REGION VI

 

CAREY COUNSELING CENTER
Host Agency Contact:
Sherri Sedgebear

PO Box 793
Huntingdon, TN 38344

 

 

Liberty Place
Coordinator: Priscilla Johnson

111 East Eaton St
Trenton, TN 38382
Open: Tues – Fri 10-8; Sat 8-4
Counties Covered: Gibson

 

CONTACT:SENATOR JOHN STEVENS--

​​

 

​​REPRESENTATIVE CURTIS HALFORD--

​​

 

 

Outreach Center
Coordinator: Kathy Graham

1539 Hwy 69 North
Paris, TN 38242
Open: Tues- Fri 10-6; Sat 8-4
Counties Covered: Henry

 

CONTACT:SENATOR JOHN STEVENS--

​​

 

​​REPRESENTATIVE TIM WIRGAU--

​​

 

 

C.A.R.E.S. Center
Coordinator: Teresa Madison

946 Flatwoods Road
Camden, TN 38320
Open: Thurs – Fri 9-4; Sat 9-3
Counties Covered: Benton

 

CONTACT:SENATOR JOHN STEVENS--

​​

 

​​REPRESENTATIVE TIM WIRGAU--

​​

 

 

Sunrise Outreach Center
Coordinator: Shawna Williams

110 East Church Street
Union City, TN 38261
Open: Tues – Fri 10-6; Sat 8-4
Counties Covered: Obion

 

CONTACT:SENATOR JOHN STEVENS--

​​

 

​​REPRESENTATIVE ANDY HOLT--

​​

 

 

PATHWAYS
Host Agency Contact: Pat Taylor

238 Summar Dr
Jackson, TN 38301

 

CONTACT:SENATOR LOWE FINNEY--

​​

 

​​REPRESENTIVE JOHNNY SHAW--

​​

 

The Hope Center
Coordinator: Debbi Young

222 E. Court St. Suite A
Dyersburg, TN 38024
Open: Tues – Thurs 8:00 AM – 3:30 PM
Counties Covered: Crockett, Dyer, Lake

 

CONTACT:SENATOR LOWE FINNEY--

​​

 

​​REPRESENTATIVE BILL SANDERSON--

​​

 

 

Rainbow Center
Coordinator: Thomas Byars

67 American Drive
Jackson, TN 38301
Open: Tue, Wed & Thurs 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Counties Covered: Madison, Haywood

 

CONTACT:SENATOR LOWE FINNEY--

​​

 

​​REPRESENTATIVE JIMMY ELDRIDGE--

​​

 

Comfort Center
Coordinator: Kim Buckley

300 Holly Street
Lexington, TN 38351
Open: Mon - Fri 8:00 AM-4:00 PM
Counties Covered: Henderson

 

CONTACT:SENATOR DELORES GRESHAM--

​​

 

​​REPRESENTATIVE STEVE MCDANIEL--

​​

 

 

PROFESSIONAL CARE SERVICES
Host Agency Contact: Jimmie Jackson

1997 Hwy 51 S
Covington, TN 38019

 

CONTACT:SENATOR MARK NORRIS--

​​

 

​​REPRESENTATIVE DEBRA MOODY--

​​

 

 

Hearts in Hands
Coordinator: Brenda Robbins

12615 S. Main
Somerville, TN 38068
Open: Mon, Tues, Thurs, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wed 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Counties Covered: Fayette

 

CONTACT:SENATOR DELORES GRESHAM--

​​

 

​​REPRESENTATIVE BARRETT RICH--

​​

 

 

Togetherness House
Coordinator: Melissa Belair

477-B South Washington
Ripley, TN 38063
Open: Mon, Wed, Fri, 8:30 – 5; Tues, 9 – 5; Thurs, 1-5
Counties Covered: Lauderdale, Tipton

 

CONTACT:SENATOR LOWE FINNEY--

​​

 

​​REPRESENTATIVE CRAIG FITZHUGH--

​​

 

QUINCO MENTAL HEALTH CENTER
Host Agency Contact: Heather King

10710 Old Hwy 64
Bolivar, TN 38008

 

CONTACT:SENATOR DELORES GRESHAM--

​​

 

​​REPRESENTIVE JOHNNY SHAW--

​​

 

 

Horizon of Bolivar
Coordinator: Shirley Kelley

428 W. Market St.
Bolivar, TN 38008-2606
Open Tues-Fri, 8 am – 4 pm
Counties Covered: Hardeman, Chester

 

 

CONTACT:SENATOR DELORES GRESHAM--

​​

 

​​REPRESENTIVE JOHNNY SHAW--

​​

 

 

Horizon of Savannah
Coordinator: Jana James

430 Pinhook Drive
Savannah, TN 38372
Open: Wednesday – Friday 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Counties Covered: Hardin, McNairy

 

CONTACT:SENATOR DELORES GRESHAM--

​​

 

​​REPRESENTATIVE VANCE DENNIS--

​​

 

 

REGION VII

 

SOUTHEAST MENTAL HEALTH CENTER
Host Agency Contact:
Debra Dillon

135 N. Pauline
Memphis, TN 38104

 

CONTACT:SENATOR JIM KYLE--

​​

 

​​REPRESENTATIVE JOHN DEBERRY--

​​

 

 

Turning Point
Coordinator: Zoe Simpson

4088 Summer Ave
Memphis, TN 38122
Open: Mon., Thurs. & Fri. 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Counties Covered: Shelby

 

CONTACT:SENATOR BRIAN KELSEY--

​​

 

​​REPRESENTATIVE G. A. HARDAWAY--

​​

 

 

Tennessee Mental Health Consumers’ Association
Host Agency Contact: Lori Rash

 

The Beers-Van Gogh Peer Center
Coordinator: Megan Hoffmann

669 Madison Ave
Memphis, TN 38103
Open: Mon – Fri 12 PM to 5 PM
Counties Covered: Shelby

 

 

CONTACT:SENATOR JIM KYLE--

​​

 

REPRESENTATIVE JOHN DEBERRY--

​​

 

1

 

0 Comments

Severe Changes to TennCare for July 1, 2014

1/7/2014

0 Comments

 
Below is the news release from Governor Haslam and our elected officials on cuts in services to Medicaid to be effective July 1, 2014. Tennesseans are loosing in every way as the expansion to Medicaid, with the huge funding it brings, is refused by Governor Haslam. I urge readers to use the contact information at the end of the release to inform our representatives and senators of the sufferings that will result by the implementation of Amendment 21.
Thank you, Larry, for bringing the announcement to our attention. [Larry Drain, Legislative Liaison for State Legislative Affairs, DBSA Tennessee]


Notice of Change in TennCare II Demonstration Amendment 21 

The Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Finance and Administration is providing official notification, pursuant to 42 CFR § 447.205 and 59 Fed. Reg. 49249, of intent to file an amendment to the TennCare II Demonstration, as well as corresponding amendments to the Medicaid State Plan. The amendments will be filed with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), a federal agency located in Baltimore, Maryland, with a Regional Office in The State is required to meet certain advance notice obligations whenever an amendment to the TennCare Demonstration is filed. This demonstration amendment, which will be known as “Amendment 21,” is being filed with a proposed effective date of July 1, 2014. The benefits 
listed in this notice are currently supported with non-recurring funds that have been made available through a hospital assessment fee scheduled to expire on June 30, 2014. Should the fee be renewed, the changes contained in Amendment 21 will not occur.

Amendment 21 will eliminate certain currently covered services and establish benefit limits on others. Children under 21 will not be affected by these changes. Eligibility for TennCare will not be affected by these changes. Pregnant women and institutionalized persons will not be affected by proposed benefit limits; however, they will be affected by the elimination of coverage for occupational therapy, speech therapy, and physical therapy.

The specific changes to be made are as follows:
• Implementation of a combined annual limit of 8 days per person for inpatient hospital and inpatient psychiatric hospital services
• Implementation of an annual limit on non-emergency outpatient hospital occasions of 8 per person (an “occasion” is a day)
• Implementation of a combined annual limit on health care practitioners’ office visits of 8 “occasions” per person (an “occasion” is a day)
• Implementation of an annual limit on lab and X-ray services of 8 occasions per person (an “occasion” is a day)
• Elimination of coverage for occupational therapy, speech therapy, and physical therapy

It is our intention to submit this amendment to CMS with the request that it be approved in time for implementation to occur on July 1, 2014. Corresponding State Plan Amendments will be filed, where appropriate. We estimate that implementation of the amendment and corresponding State Plan changes will result in a decrease in aggregate annual expenditures of $302,722,400 in State Fiscal Year 2015. 

Copies of this notice will be available at county health departments in Tennessee, and on the TennCare website located online at http://www.tn.gov/tenncare/.

Written comments may be submitted by email to [email protected] or may be mailed to Mr. Darin Gordon, Director, Bureau of TennCare, 310 Great Circle Road, Nashville, Tennessee 37243. Persons wishing to review copies of written comments received may submit their requests to the same email and/or physical address.
0 Comments

Medicaid expansion? It's simple to answer the question

1/7/2014

0 Comments

 
The question is a simple one. Do you, as a consumer, want more of your fellow consumers to get help or do you want fewer of your fellow consumers to get help? Now, I hope I know what your answer is going to be.


Peacefulness to you . . .





Medicaid expansion and the mental health budget

by hopeworkscommunity


The article below points out some amazing facts about the relationship of medicaid expansion to the mental health budget in many states. It is well worth reading and pondering.

Overall roughly 40% of state mental health budget dollars go towards paying for services for poor people with little or no insurance. In 2009 it amounted to over 16 billion dollars. With mental health parity now the law of the land mental health expenses can only go up. When a state like Tennessee refuses to accept federal dollars for medicaid expansion the only possible result is a growing strain on state mental health budgets that in the end can only hurt an already hurting system. It will be a larger and larger hole with more and more people trapped in it.

In Tennessee we see the developing storm. Let me start by saying I have no inside facts. What follows is my attempt to make sense of things. If anyone wants to share better sense I will gladly listen.

A large portion of the Tennessee state funds for mental health goes to people with little or no insurance. The behavioral health safety net and state psychiatric hospitals are part of the expense but by no means all of it. The money that the state could save in mental health spending will as things stand now not happen.
Mental health parity will drive the costs up in unspecified ways. In the last 8 years we have cut over 165,000 dollars in tax income from state coffers. Not suprisingly when too much demand is tied to too little money someone is going to be left out.

Unless something changes the peer support centers in Tennessee will be eliminated. 4.5 million dollars will be saved. I dont know how you count what will be lost. Perhaps a bandaid will be found and we may escape the choices ahead. I hope so. I fervently hope so.

The savings of mental health dollars that medicaid expansion might give is all I can see that offer the opportunity to build a system that really does work and doesnt have to be refought each year. Let Governor Haslam know what you think.

The Washington Post
http://m.washingtonpost.com/blogs/wonkblog/wp/2012/07/05/how-the-medicaid-expansion-also-saves-states-money/
(from Easy Browser)

0 Comments

Peer Support Centers- What Are They Worth?

1/3/2014

0 Comments

 

Larry Drain

by hopeworkscommunity

Tennessee according to current plans will do away with its 45 peer centers.  What exactly  will it lose.  This information comes directly from Tennessee Dept of Mental Health and Substance Abuse.

The peer centers in Tennessee serve an average of 3500 people a day.  They are served literally for dollars a day.  106 certified peer specialists are employed.  They serve every corner of the state.  Almost every community has access to at least once.  If you could put all the peer centers together in one location they would be by far the largest source of mental health services in the state of Tennessee.

They provide recovery education.  Quoting from the Department... "Trained Certified Peer Recovery Specialists lead evidence-based classes, covering such topics and curricula as the Wellness Recovery Action Plan, Illness Management and Recovery, the Chronic Disease Self-Management Program, and the BRIDGES psycho-education course. Other topics include stress management, anger management, and grief counseling.

Each center also provides support groups to its members.  They provide opportunities to volunteer in the community and give back.  And perhaps most importantly an opportunity for socialization for people  who might otherwise have none... "Peer Support Centers provide socialization opportunities that address the isolation felt by many people who live with mental illness. Members enjoy going to local community events, such as art fairs, city clean-up days, or holiday festivals; playing games together, such as charades, cards, or even kickball; and even going out for lunch from time to time.

They make a difference.  Here is what the people attending centers say about what they got from the experience:

  • 96% felt better about themselves
  • 95% were better able to ask for help when needed.
  • 94% were more independent
  • 93% felt like they were more in control of their life.
  • 93% felt like they were less likely to go to a psychiatric hospital.
  • 91% felt like they were less lonely

Is there anything in your life that has such important impacts in your life??  How much would you be willing to pay for something that did?

And most importantly if you knew you could help other people to feel the same way about their life how much would you pay?  In a time when the government does so many things that dont make a difference how badly would you want them to continue doing this?

You can make a difference.  Speak now.  Speak loud.  Speak often.

Save the peer centers in Tennessee

0 Comments

Peer Support Center's Case A "No Brainer"

12/21/2013

0 Comments

 

The case for shutting down the peer centers

by hopeworkscommunity

1.  Take a service that operates for about the price of a Mcdonald's quarter pounder, fries, and coke per person per day....

2. That serves a population largely not served by any other programs....

3. That historically normally has had lots of problems including using a lot of very expensive services with little success....

4.  And enable that population to experience success for the first time in their lives, often dramatic success.....

5.  And then shut down that service to save a few dollars in the short run ignoring totally the long term savings that success means for the individual, their families, their communities and the state....

6.  And basically abandon one of the most vulnerable populations in this state without any real backup or contingency plan....

Thats basically it. 

You might call it a "no-brainer."

0 Comments

Mental health care is going in the wrong direction

12/14/2013

0 Comments

 
A big step backward into the future: mental health “reform” Washington style

by hopeworkscommunity

The new mental health reform bill introduced by Rep Murphy provides for the following according to the Treatment Advocacy Center:

" Requires states to have commitment criteria broader than “dangerousness” and to authorize assisted outpatient treatment (AOT) in order to receive Community Mental Health Service Block Grant funds.

Allocates $15 million for a federal AOT block grant program to fund to 50 grants per year for new local AOT programs.

Carves out an exemption in HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) allowing a “caregiver” to receive protected health information when a mental health care provider reasonably believes disclosure to the caregiver is necessary to protect the health, safety or welfare of the patient or the safety of another. (The definition of “caregiver” includes immediate family members.)"

TRANSLATION:

What does it mean?

1.  States will be substantially limited in their control over their own mental health policy.  This, in and of itself, represents a radical change of immense implications.  It is a wall once breached that will never be rolled back.

2.  The future direction of mental health policy will basically be in the hands of the Treatment Advocacy Center.  After years and years of failing to get states to follow their policy of coercion first to the degree they want their view would effectively become federal policy.  What they could never win by choice they will win by force.

3.  Much gains in knowledge about what really works and helps people with mental health issues would be rendered unimportant and out of fashion.  The notion of recovery would be given a death blow.

4.  States by federal statute would have to agree to commit more and more people.

5.  Failure to do so would make you ineligible for federal block grants that are the backbone of so many state mental health budgets.

6. Privacy laws would not allow so much privacy.  Confidentiality would have holes big enough to drive a hole through.

And that is only the beginning.  It is a step back into an era of mental health care that was a national disgrace and one in which a diagnosis of mental illness was a life sentence.
0 Comments

The case for shutting down the peer centers

12/12/2013

0 Comments

 
The case for shutting down the peer centers

by hopeworkscommunity

1.  Take a service that operates for about the price of a Mcdonald's quarter pounder, fries, and coke per person per day....

2. That serves a population largely not served by any other programs....

3. That historically normally has had lots of problems including using a lot of very expensive services with little success....

4.  And enable that population to experience success for the first time in their lives, often dramatic success.....

5.  And then shut down that service to save a few dollars in the short run ignoring totally the long term savings that success means for the individual, their families, their communities and the state....

6.  And basically abandon one of the most vulnerable populations in this state without any real backup or contingency plan....

Thats basically it. 

You might call it a "no-brainer."



0 Comments

Send a Christmas Card to the Governor

12/1/2013

0 Comments

 
hopeworkscommunity posted: "The plan as it currently stands is to
totally and completely eliminate funding for peer support centers in Tennessee.
45 centers will close and the over 3000 people served a month will be left out
in the cold. The post below talks more about the situation"
 
 Send a Christmas card to Governor Haslam
by  hopeworkscommunity

The plan as it currently stands is to totally and
completely eliminate funding for peer support centers in Tennessee. 45 centers will close and the over 3000 people served a month will be left out in the cold. The post below talks more about the situation.

What I am asking is two  things.

1. Send a christmas card to Gov Haslam. Share your knowledge and
experience with peer support with him. Let him know Tennessee deserves and needs  what peer support centers add to the mental health system in Tennessee. His address is:

The office of Governor Bill Haslam
1st Floor, State Capitol
Nashville,  TN   37243   

His email
address is .

2.
Share this with at least 3 other people. Ask them to share it with at least 3
other people and so on.

This is the time to act. Let Governor Haslam know what you think. Make your card a Christmas gift to Tennessee.

The death of peer support in Tennessee.

There are 45 peer support centers in
Tennessee. Next year if things go as planned there may be none.

The initial recommendation of the commissioner of mental health to the governors  request for a 5% decrease in budget was to recommend that 4.5 million dollars be  taken from the budget for peer support centers. That would leave 0 for next year.

It makes you just want to shake your head. When I heard I emailed a
bunch of people. I thought I had misheard. I knew no one could seriously make such a suggestion. I was wrong.

Peer support centers do two primary things. They save money and they save lives. A lot.

For a few dollars a day per person served peer support centers give a chance at success for people who have never had success. People who have never made it in the community make it. The last figures I saw indicated a 90% decrease in psychiatric hospitalization. The savings from that alone should almost pay for the program. In a time when the jails are filling with the mentally ill how in the world can we shut down one of the most successful community based services we have?? This program defines the notion of “bang for your buck.” How is this in any way a savings?? We lecture our children about thinking before they act and considering the long term consequences of their actions. Shouldnt we expect the same out of ourselves and particularly our political leaders?

But it is more than an economic issue. It is more than a political issue. It is profoundly a moral issue and it is wrong!!!

If it actually sees the light of day it will be the planned abandonment of one of the most vulnerable populations in this state who basically have no where else to turn for this kind of help for a short term financial gain that in the end will cost far more than it saves. In plain terms it will be an act of large cruelty.

I urge you to stand loud and express your opinions. This is an old battle we thought done last year when support for peer support become recurring dollars. Once again we are a political football. Now is the time to end the game.

hopeworkscommunity | November 27, 2013 
0 Comments

The Death of Peer Support

11/20/2013

0 Comments

 
There are 45 peer support centers in Tennessee. Next year if things go as planned there may be none.

The initial recommendation of the commissioner of mental health to the governors request for a 5% decrease in budget was to recommend that 4.5 million dollars be taken from the budget for peer support centers. That would leave 0 for next year.

It makes you just want to shake your head. When I heard I emailed a bunch of people. I thought I had misheard. I knew no one could seriously make such a suggestion. I was wrong.

Peer support centers do two primary things. They save money and they save lives. A lot.

For a few dollars a day per person served peer support centers give a chance at success for people who have never had success. People who have never made it in the community make it. The last figures I saw indicated a 90% decrease in psychiatric hospitalization. The savings from that alone should almost pay for the program. In a time when the jails are filling with the mentally ill how in the world can we shut down one of the most successful community based services we have?? This program defines the notion of "bang for your buck." How is this in any way a savings?? We lecture our children about thinking before they act and considering the long term consequences of their actions. Shouldnt we expect the same out of ourselves and particularly our political leaders?

But it is more than an economic issue. It is more than a political issue. It is profoundly a moral issue and it is wrong!!!

If it actually sees the light of day it will be the planned abandonment of one of the most vulnerable populations in this state who basically have no where else to turn for this kind of help for a short term financial gain that in the end will cost far more than it saves. In plain terms it will be an act of large cruelty.

I urge you to stand loud and express your opinions. This is an old battle we thought done last year when support for peer support become recurring dollars. Once again we are a political football. Now is the time to end the game.

Larry Drain
hopeworkscommunity | November 18, 2013 at 8:12 pm | Categories: Uncategorized | 
0 Comments