Police See Results From Community Response Program
The Cookeville Police Department receiving statewide praise for a new program pairing law enforcement with mental health experts to handle emergency calls. Community Services Sergeant Charlotte Austin said the Cookeville Community Response Program utilizes a certified mental health specialist and an EMT to respond to calls involving individuals experiencing a mental health crisis. “I think […]
Local Expert: Expect More Gambling Among College Men
With the number one quarterback in college football’s transfer portal dealing with a gambling addiction, a local addiction expert said she expects more cases. Volunteer Behavioral Health Senior Clinical Director Beth Tucker said the fast-paced, 24-hour nature of betting apps makes sports betting highly addictive. Tucker said mental health experts are monitoring widespread use of […]
Cookeville Considers Crisis Response Program Continuation
The Cookeville City Council discussed the future of the Cookeville Community Response Program during Monday’s work session, weighing whether to continue the initiative. City Manager James Mills said the city has partnered with Volunteer Behavioral Health through a grant to provide a response team rather than police to respond to non-violent mental crisis events. Cookeville […]
Volunteer Behavioral Expanding, Renovations Underway
A $2.75 million expansion in the plans for Volunteer Behavioral Health in Cookeville combined with renovations to better serve the community. Campus Director Shane Farris said there is a tremendous need for additional services for those needing help with their mental health and substance use issues. Farris said the expansion will help patients receive high […]
Redbud Village Bid Comes In As Expected
Bids for Highland Residential Services’ latest development Redbud Village came in as expected at Tuesday’s bid opening. Executive Director Dow Harris said the project is budgeted to come in at or below $4 million for all twenty housing units. Harris said there will be ten units with one bedroom and ten units with two bedrooms. […]
Recovery Expert: Stigma Needs To End, Region Needs More Rehab Options
The need for drug rehabilitation programs in the Upper Cumberland is great and so is the need for the region to focus on the stigma surrounding addiction. That according to Shane Farris. Farris is Campus Director of the Substance Use Treatment Program At Volunteer Behavioral Health. A planned Opioid Treatment facility will not be built […]
Fall Football Arrives As Does Opportunity For Gambling Addiction, According To Local Expert
The first full football weekend of the fall has arrived with both college and professional football on the docket. And with it, a lot of advertising for betting on football. A Senior Clinical Director at Volunteer Behavioral Health said gambling addiction is on the rise. Greg Lewis said the chance for addiction increases as football […]
Volunteer Behavioral Health Hosts Successful Crisis Intervention Training For Law Enforcement
Eighteen representatives from Upper Cumberland law enforcement agencies completed training this month learning how to handle crisis situations. The 40-hour program was facilitated by Volunteer Behavioral Health in Cookeville. Director Anne Stamps said officers strengthened deescalation and communication skills to lower arrests of those suffering mental illness. “The skills that are presented and learned and […]
Volunteer Behavioral Health Receives $900K Grant For School Mental Health Services
Volunteer Behavioral Health was the recipient of a $900,000 state grant to expand mental health services in schools. Senior VP of Operations Sejal West said the expansion will cover new child development specialists for its Behavioral Health Liaison and Project BASIC programs. “And they will work closely with the teachers in the school and with […]
Festival Of Compassion Providing Holiday Meal And Other Resources For Homeless
Volunteer Behavioral Health and the Recovery Kitchen are hosting a holiday meal for the those experiencing homelessness or food insecurity. Recovery Kitchen Co-Founder Justin Veals said the focus of the event is to make the displaced feel understood. “When I was homeless, I felt like I existed in a world separate from everybody else, and […]
