DBSA Tennessee Past President, S.L. Brannon
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NAMI TN ADVOCACY ALERT

12/13/2014

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Advocacy Alert

TennCare and the state budget process have been in the news. Cuts to funding for mental health in Tennessee have been proposed.


Gov. Bill Haslam said recently that he's talked with nine Republican governors who have expanded Medicaid for low-income people in their states. Haslam has been criticized for refusing last year to agree to $1.4 billion in federal funds to cover about 180,000 uninsured Tennesseans. After the TennCare state budget hearing, Haslam told reporters that he talked with Health and Human Services Secretary Sylvia M. Burwell this week and that he plans to make a decision about expanding Medicaid by Christmas.

 

Can we afford more cuts? 


This week, the NAMI Tennessee Policy Committee reviewed the proposed state budget cuts. These proposed reductions call for the elimination of funding for our Peer Centers for a savings of $4.5 million as well as eliminating funding for adolescent outpatient substance abuse services and adolescent day and evening treatment services - cuts totaling $1.4 million. Additional proposed cuts will eroded our mental health system even further. 

 

The next 12 days are critical

 

Please join NAMI Tennessee and other mental health advocates by saying yes to Medicaid Expansion and no to additional cuts for mental illness. Visit your local legislator and share this message now. We have a brief window before Christmas for our message to be heard. Your voice matters!  

Find your local state legislators  

 

Day on the Hill will be March 18, 2015 

 

Visits to legislators in their home districts make a huge impact. Visits now impact the budget process before the Governor presents his budget to the legislator and the public debates in the Statehouse begin. We also have a chance to impact the budget process and provide education to legislators by participating in Day on the Hill. We hope that you mark March 18, 2015 on your calenders and join us for this day of advocacy

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Larry Drain announces the next speaker in Maryville

4/15/2014

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April 24. 
More on our speaker series
by hopeworkscommunity
       We recently announced the beginning of our speaker series in Blount County sponsored by Maryville Nami.  Our first speaker on March 20 will be Sita Diehl National Director of State Advocacy for Nami national.  I am very excited today to announce our second speaker today.  On April 24 Doug Varney Commissioner for Dept of Mental Health and Substance Abuse will be coming to speak in Maryville.  Tentatively his topic will be the scourge of drug abuse, particularly prescription drugs and meth, their relationship to mental health issues and efforts by the state to address these issues.  It should be a great and informative evening.  Please do all you can to spread the word about both of these presentations.

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Peer Specialist training for veterans

2/13/2014

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Greetings, everyone. This April training course in Milwaukee is open to Veterans not currently employed in VA peer support positions who are interested in qualifying for such employment. To access the application, either click on the link below, or see the attached document. Please note the March 25, 2014 application deadline, and thank you in advance for circulating this to interested Veterans as appropriate.

Application link:  http://www.dbsalliance.org/site/Survey?ACTION_REQUIRED=URI_ACTION_USER_REQUESTS&SURVEY_ID=8300

 Best, Lisa Goodale
Lisa C. Goodale, MSW, LSW
Vice President, Peer Support Services
Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance / DBSA

 or 

Fax: 

www.DBSAlliance.org

Veteran peer specialist training:

www.DBSAlliance.org/Veterans


 

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

2/3/2014

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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.

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Speak with the decision-makers

1/28/2014

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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

 

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Make your signature count in 30 seconds

1/16/2014

0 Comments

 

The petition for peer centers

by hopeworkscommunity

Please sign and pass it on to as many people as you can.  We need signatures.

 

I’ve started the petition “Governor Bill Haslam: Restore funding to the 45 peer support centers in Tennessee” and need your help to get it off the ground.

Will you take 30 seconds to sign it right now? Here’s the link:

http://www.change.org/petitions/governor-bill-haslam-restore-funding-to-the-45-peer-support-centers-in-tennessee

Here’s why it’s important:

 

The 45 peer support centers in Tennessee serve an average of 3500 a day.  For literally a few dollars a day they provide a safe, positive, supporting and therapeutic environment to their members.  They reduce hospitalization 93% for their members.  They provide success to many people who have never known it.  For many people they are the mental health system.  The 4.5 million dollars currently budgeted is a bargain financially, socially and emotionally.  Please keep the peer centers in Tennessee

 

You can sign my petition by clicking here.

Thanks!
Larry Drain

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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

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DBSA Tennessee First Organized Effort

12/21/2013

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The DBSA steps up

by hopeworkscommunity

You know it is hard to believe that in this day and time that the voice of ordinary people matter.  We tend to believe that if a big organization doesnt say it or some high powered person doesnt say it no one will hear it or pay it attention.

I think that if anything matters it is the voice of ordinary people.

DBSA- Tennessee is taking it serious.  About a month ago I suggested that people send Christmas cards to Governor Haslam asking him to keep peer support centers in Tennessee open.  I sent that post to literally thousands of people.  I have heard from individuals both inside and outside Tennessee telling me they would send cards.  I had one large organization in Tennessee very nicely tell me they had their own campaign planned and not to bother them.  I really think they wanted something more important than ordinary people to speak. 

DBSA was the one organization that took the idea serious.  They have 20 chapters in the state and in the last couple of weeks have been asking their members to step up and they have...all across the state.  Bravo to them.  Major bravo to them.

Peer support centers are worth saving.  Your voice is needed.  Please speak up.

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Peer Support Center's Case A "No Brainer"

12/21/2013

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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."

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The case for shutting down the peer centers

12/12/2013

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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."



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Send a Christmas Card to the Governor

12/1/2013

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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 
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A Place to go ... a plea for peer support

11/30/2013

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Larry Drain recently joined in to pressure the elected officials to seriously consider the consequences of their actions upon the most vulnerable consumers of Tennessee. I ask that you join me in reading his blog and giving serious consideration to what we need to do and individuals to right a wrong. Thank you.

New post on Hopeworks Community


A place to go…. a plea for peer support

by Larry Drain,  hopeworkscommunity.com

All of us need a place to go. We need a place that
provides the resources, the relationships, the support and the experiences that
give us a chance to lead lives of purpose, dignity , and meaning. That place is
different for everyone. Without it life seems never what to be what we want or
hope for. Instead pain and disappointment define our days. Life is a never
ending source of deprivation and opportunity seems reserved for other
people.

For many people with serious mental health issues that place has
come to be their local peer support center. Counseling and medication may be
helpful to them, but neither is sufficient for them to have a realistic chance
at a successful, stable life in the community. They need a lived experience with
other people who have dealt with the same challenges they have, a lived
experience with others who have found that life can be better, that what you
know and practice makes a difference, a lived experience with others who show
that it is possible and needed to take control of their own life and be
responsible for their own choices. They need a lived experience in an
environment which shows them that not only do they have the opportunity to get
but the ability to give in a meaningful fashion, an experience that not only do
they count, but that they can be counted upon. Many of them have been in and out
of psychiatric institutions most of their life. Disruptions and problems have
marked their entire life and they may never have known the stability in living
essential to some measure of happiness and feeling of personal
significance.

Peer support centers have been their safe place. It has
given their lives the impetus that has allowed them to function successfully in
the community many for the first time. Many of them have no insurance or
financial resources and peer support centers are the only place they even have
access to. If you are poor and have serious mental health issues you have very
few places in this state to turn to for help. Peer support centers are one
essential life line.

The proposal to cut peer support funding puts all
this in jeopardy. Peer support centers radically improve the quality of the
lives of the people that go there. They improve the quality of the communities
they are located in. They do not meet the needs of everyone, but the people they
do meet the needs of normally have little where else to go. They give you much
more bang for your back than many much more expensive options. They keep people
out of psychiatric hospitals whose experience in hospitals is that they cant
make it anywhere else.

Peer support centers are a kindness to people who
have very little kindness in their lives. Before you take that kindness away
consider not the savings, but the costs. Think about the costs measured not in
numbers, but just in misery. We all need a place to go that matters.

In the overall scheme of things the money that will be saved by cutting peer
support centers is small potatoes. The gain of keeping them open at present
levels is immeasurable.

Please give us a place to go. Support peer support centers.

hopeworkscommunity | November 20, 2013
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