UCHRA Adding Third Go Route In Cookeville
UCHRA adding a third Go Route to its Cookeville bus services beginning Monday. Transportation Director Holly Montooth said the new route will have additional stops including the Plateau Mental Health Center and the Cookeville Rescue Mission. Montooth said the route will increase the frequency buses arrive at each stop and help keep the whole system […]
UCHRA Transportation Increasing Driver Pay
Base pay for UCHRA public transportation drivers has been bumped up to $14 per hour after a vote from the Executive Board. Transportation Director Holly Montooth said drivers with their CDL can receive up to $15 an hour. She said additional incentives are also available for drivers willing to work later in the evening. Montooth […]
UCHRA Holds Homelessness Roundtable
The UCHRA Policy Committee held a roundtable Wednesday to discuss the challenges of managing the homeless population in the Upper Cumberland. Cookeville Police Sargeant Zach Gilpin told the committee that a homeless encampment behind the Cook Out on Scenic Drive has been home to as many as 150 homeless people. He said when organizations and […]
UCHRA Selects New Community Intervention Director
UCHRA has selected Melissa Hoisington as its new Community Intervention Department Director. Hoisington will head a department that operates Day Reporting Centers designed to rehabilitate justice-involved individuals. Cheryl Cox is retiring after 35 years with the agency. “Two years ago, they redid the grant and we are now, we are still supervision, but we are […]
UC Senior Center Rebrand, Activity Center Most Popular
A rebranding project for Upper Cumberland Senior Centers ready for its next steps after directors and boards completed surveys, sharing ideas for new names. Area Aging and Disability Director Holly Williams said the favorite: “The Activity Center.” Williams said 15 out of 19 centers have completed a survey and 80 percent are in favor of […]
UCHRA To Provide Workforce Assist For Those Recovering
UCHRA will use some $5.3 million in state opioid abatement funds to provide treatment and workforce return assistance for those dealing with substance abuse. UCHRA Executive Director Mark Farley said the funds will be distributed over three years. He said the organization will work alongside Vanderbilt Medical Center and a non-profit called One Tennessee to […]
State Pivot; UCHRA Helps Residents Pay Off Water Bills
UCHRA not expected to have money to help with water bill assistance this year, but a sudden change in state policy resulted in some $50,000 in bills paid off. Community Service Programs Manager Judy Sanchez said the program was scheduled to end in September of 2023. She said the state approved a 90-day extension with […]
Upper Cumberland Senior Center Rebranding In Works
Upper Cumberland Senior Centers looking to rebrand as they try to bounce back from COVID closures. The UCHRA is conducting surveys to develop a rebranding plan revolving around the removal of the word “senior.” Area Agency on Aging and Disability Director Holly Williams said she has heard from people who do not want to attend […]
Police & Responders Being Trained On Mental Health
Cookeville Police and First Responders are being trained to improve the outcomes of encounters with people suffering from behavioral health issues. Sergeant Mike Herrick said during the 40-hour training, community resources like Volunteer Behavioral Health and UCHRA educate officers on the help available. Herrick said many of the people the police force deals with regularly […]
UCHRA Public Transit Implementing Overdose Protection
UCHRA will equip Public Transportation drivers with naloxone nasal spray, an overdose-prevention medication. Regional Overdose Prevention Specialist Justin Cantrell said making the life-saving medication available will lighten the workload for law enforcement and first responders. He said he hopes this makes a dent in overdose rates, the leading cause of death for Americans between the […]
