Gallery

Kara Coleman, our Business Development Specialist in Chattanooga, was awarded Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network’s “Regional Suicide Prevention Award” for their Southeast Region. These awards recognize innovation and excellence in Tennessee’s suicide prevention awareness movement.

MHC’s Julie Bendler (Homeless Outreach/Child & Youth) joined District 2 Councilwoman Kyonzte Toombs at her outreach event at the corner of West Trinity Lane and Brick Church Pike last Saturday. The event focused on outreach to those unhoused and potentially struggling with mental health and/or substance use issues. We appreciate Julie and Councilwoman Toombs for taking time to support our community!

We are excited to announce MHC will be adding a 2nd First Episode Psychosis Initiative (FEPI) team in Montgomery County. The FEPI multidisciplinary team of supports will engage youth and young adults, ages 15-30, who are experiencing their first episode of psychosis. “We know that young people have been hit hardest by the mental health impacts of the pandemic. Data collected over the last year show higher rates of symptoms of anxiety or depression, higher prevalence of suicidal thoughts, and increased symptoms of psychosis among young people,” said TDMHSAS Commissioner Marie Williams, LCSW.

Our Chattanooga Care Management staff, Samantha and Yakari, participated in the Hamilton County Back to School event this past weekend. They gave away school supplies and resources to hundreds of children and their families💙

It's that time of year when kids are heading back to school. MHC's Kara Coleman participated in the 3rd annual Back to school event for the Bradley and Polk county community hosted by the Bradley-Polk Walk In Clinic. MHC and more than 20 community partners gave away resources and school supplies to over 100+ children and their families.

With the help of the @tndeptofhealth we were able to vaccinate 41 individuals at our pop up vaccine clinic in our Nashville office.

MHC Outreach assisted with the Jefferson Street encampment clean up. The goal is and continues to be to provide linkage and referrals to services, support and ultimately housing to those unhoused. Pictured are Outreach Specialists; Mallori Richardson, Julie Bendler, Nathan Scarlett, Christian Michael and Program Manager, Traci Pekovitch. We are so proud of the work this team does

One of our Co-Responders, Ashley Yarbrough, and the CIT/Co-Response program trained officers in the Hermitage precinct. The teams started as early as 6:30 Monday morning and by early afternoon Monday, the teams had already responded to four calls which resulted in four people receiving help. "...Four have gotten medical help and not (been) put into the criminal justice system and that's really what we wanted - to be able to mitigate the use of force and to be able to help people," said Chief Drake.

Cooperative Recovery of Mental Health Cooperative opened a new state-of-the-art substance use and addiction treatment clinic in Murfreesboro.

MHC was honored to have Chief Drake of the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department on campus to share an appreciation for our Co-Response partnership. Training is underway for MNPD officers and Mental Health Cooperative clinicians involved in the new model. This is an exciting day for MHC, MNPD, Metro Government, and the Nashville Community!

13 police officers from surrounding counties came to tour Mental Health Cooperative of Chattanooga as a part of the Crisis Intervention Team training. They learned about the services we provide and met with two phenomenal MHC consumers to hear their first hand stories about their mental health journey and previous involvement with law enforcement.

We had our first-ever DRE Day at our Metro Nashville office where seven clients completed a potentially vision-saving eye exam! This exam detects Diabetic Retinopathy, a condition that could cause individuals diagnosed with diabetes to go blind. Early detection and intervention is key to saving someone’s vision, and these exams do just that!

Two years ago the Crisis Treatment Center (CTC) opened with a 24/7 Crisis walk-in center for adults, a 24/7 Crisis walk-in center for youth, and a dedicated police drop-off area to allow officers to drop off people in crisis for treatment instead of incarceration. Over the past two years, over 5,500 of our neighbors in Nashville have come to the walk-in center or been dropped off by police and were met with free, accessible, nationally-recognized quality crisis treatment.

Thank you to Nashville Medical News for once again recognizing our fearless leader and CEO, Pam Womack, in the annual edition of InCharge Healthcare 2021. InCharge Healthcare features and celebrates many of Nashville's healthcare leaders driving healthcare forward, and we couldn't be prouder to see Pam acknowledged! When COVID began, Pam immediately reassured our entire team at MHC that no one would lose their job. She was adamant that our sole focus needed to be taking care of our clients and each other. Thank you for your leadership, Pam!

Our incredible Cleveland office recently did a coat and cold weather drive for our consumers. Beth Irwin, one of our kids Care Managers said, “We have been seeing an increased use of the clothes closet and food pantry” and wanted to help provide for those in need!

Last week, our IHC (Integrated Health Cooperative) Team hosted another successful mobile mammogram! Ten consumers were able to receive this life-saving screening process on-site at our Metro Center location.

MHC's Brianna Grant dressed up as Progressive Flo in celebration of Halloween.

MHC teams dressed up in costumes for a little fun and in hopes to win a fun prize for best dressed. This team replicated the movie "Inside Out"

MHC teams dressed up in costumes for a little fun and in hopes to win a fun prize for best dressed. This team replicated the show "The Price is Right".

MHC Outreach along with several other community service providers set up a "resource fair" at the Jefferson Street Bridge campsite yesterday from 10am-2pm. Individuals had access to COVID testing, mental health services, food, showers, and much more. (Pictured: Traci Pekovitch, Nathan Scarlett, Mallori Richardson, Christian Michael, and Megan Vickers.)

The Rutherford Recovery Fest committee met last Friday at the MHC office in Murfreesboro to stuff 200 bags full of resources. Stephanie Hale, Criminal Justice Mental Health Liaison with Mental Health Cooperative, is a member of the committee and this is her second year participating in this event.

we have been exhibiting at the 2020 Fall Tennessee School Counselor and Administrator Leadership Institute! We are proud to be a part of this conference and love the opportunity to spread the word about Mental Health Cooperative statewide.

Kara Coleman, Business Development Specialist, is at her first safe (& social distancing) conference where she’s exhibiting and presenting about MHC services and what we have seen as an agency while serving children and youth during COVID. This is the 15th annual Chattanooga Summit conference through the National Center for Youth Issues. We are so thankful to continue supporting this great organization!

Yesterday, MHC hosted a Mobile Mammogram clinic where 18 of our consumers completed their annual mammogram screening! This truly was a team effort & we appreciate all that went into making the day a huge success!

Metro Nashville Police Academy invited employees of the MHC Crisis Department to help educate officer trainees in the de-escalation of suicidal individuals in possession of a weapon. In the scenarios presented, trainees are taught and then graded on verbal de-escalation skills while maintaining good tactics and safety. The individuals that represented MHC at the training earlier this week are: Michael Randolph, Sami Sivertsen, Natalie Marshall, and Lacy Monday.

MHC’s own Amanda Bracht was honored to be asked to present at Mayor Cooper’s press conference this morning! There is help available, free of cost, 24/7. Call us today. Crisis line: (615)726-0125

Today, multiple mental health providers and organizations came together to participate at the Pop-Up-Party for Hope event at Spring Creek Elementary school in Chattanooga. Along with their school meals, the children and their families also received free community resources, Kona Ice, and got to see horses from Solia Farms!

Last month our Chattanooga office staff packed 100 lunches for individuals in their community who experience homelessness. Alexis Loundenslager shared, "As we know, some communities are overlooked on a normal day. Then the COVID-19 pandemic came along and many communities were forgotten. We are all honored to be a part of Chattanooga and strive to be part of the solution and not the problem."

Mental Health Cooperative was named a "Top Workplace" for the 2nd year in a row by the Tennessean! We are so honored to receive this accolade, as it is based solely on employee survey feedback! We are so proud and feel extremely grateful and honored to be awarded this title.

Congrats to our leader Pam Womack for being recognized in the Nashville Medical News INCHARGE HealthCare 2020 edition. The yearly publication celebrates Nashville’s healthcare thought leaders who keep this $92 billion industry moving forward. Congrats Pam, Well Deserved!

Because of MHC's successful work in diverting consumers picked up by police from ever having to go to jail, Governor Lee and Commissioner Marie Williams (from the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services) spent some time at MHC's Crisis Treatment Center today. With our new Crisis Treatment Center, we begin treatment immediately, allowing for more appropriate and dignified care and officers can return to the streets in under 10 minutes.

Because of MHC's successful work in diverting consumers picked up by police from ever having to go to jail, Governor Lee and Commissioner Marie Williams (from the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services) spent some time at MHC's Crisis Treatment Center today. With our new Crisis Treatment Center, we begin treatment immediately, allowing for more appropriate and dignified care and officers can return to the streets in under 10 minutes.

MHC joined together with MCCY (Mid-Cumberland Commission on Children & Youth) to host a Lunch and Learn about Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT). MAT is the standard of care for opiate addiction and can dramatically increase an addicted parent's ability to parent and keep children safe. The lunch and learn, led by MHC's Dr. Oba Hollie, helped participants understand the connection between opiate abuse/addiction and the neglect, trauma, and abuse in children face in these situations.

MHC is on a journey to become trauma informed and to embrace ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences). Brianna Grant, Supervisor of MHC’s Pediatric Therapy Program, led some of our staff in a training that explains why addressing trauma is so important.

MHC's Sumner office held a friendly competition to restock the food pantry that helps consumers throughout the year. Employees brought in canned goods and non-perishable items to fill the shelves. In return, employees were entered into a drawing for a Kroger gift card. Our consumers were the ultimate winners of the food drive.

When we surpass goals, MHC celebrates! The FACT Team and Homeless Services exceeded September expectations for patient appointments with our Integrated Health Cooperative primary care services. Our exceptional teams enjoyed breakfast together at Nashville's family-style restaurant, Monells.

MHC supported our friends at the Mid-Cumberland Council on Children and Youth Legislative Breakfast in Clarksville Monday morning. Keeping up with current legislative activity related to children and families is important for MHC.

MHC's Columbia office dressed the part of Alice in Wonderland to celebrate Halloween. Days like this are better when we all get in on the fun together!

We love to have fun around here! MHC's Kyle Wilson dresses up as Mad Hatter for Halloween.

MHC's Cleveland office brought back a classic to Halloween. It's Ghostbusters!

MHC's Tiffyalena Smith dressed the part of Prince's “Purple Rain”.

MHC supports Montgomery County families at the Department of Children’s Services “Trunk or Treat” event. This annual event provides a safe and fun trick or treating experience for children in the Clarksville area.

On the outside wall of our Crisis Treatment Center, an inspiring message left by one of our consumers. They said, "Every day you save lives and help us realize that our story isn’t over yet!"

To recognize World Mental Health Day, MHC's Adam Graham, Director of Emergency Psychiatric Services, joined a panel of experts with HIMSS, a global, cause-based, not-for-profit organization focused on better health through information and technology. The panel discussed challenges and solutions in delivering care to a complex, and frequently vulnerable population of patients.

MHC’s own Amanda Bracht was honored by NAMI Davidson County yesterday with the “Challenge Award” for her dedication to state of the art emergency psychiatric services for Middle Tennessee. Congratulations to Amanda and her team!

We are so proud of our Care Managers. This week we're taking time out to honor their hard work and sacrifice to MHC and our community. As a way to say thanks, our Clarksville team of Care Managers enjoyed the afternoon carving pumpkins in the park.

This week we are celebrating Case Management Appreciation here at MHC! 🎉 Our Care Managers put so much work, compassion, and heart into their jobs day after day. We are SO grateful to each & every one of our incredible Care Managers! During the week, we are celebrating with lunches, treats, and free movies as just a small way to say, "THANK YOU!"

MHC was well represented on Saturday at the first ever Suicide Prevention 5K at Montgomery Bell Park. A total of 20 employees and their friends and families walked to support suicide prevention.

MHC Clarksville staff set up a booth at the PAUSE (Perspectives and Understanding Suicide Experiences) Conference. They answered questions, explained our services, and shared personal stories with suicide.

Recently, our Antioch team was interviewed by El JEFE 96.7FM radio to help get the word out about our Spanish-speaking staff and services here at MHC. The interview was live on radio and on the station's Facebook page.

September is National Recovery Month! This week, Kristen is representing Mental Health Cooperative at the Journey Together Conference in Franklin. The overall goal of the conference is to bring together professionals working with addictions, substance use disorders, prevention, and treatment. Kristen is using this opportunity to promote the comprehensive services, including our MAT/Suboxone Clinic, that MHC is able to offer throughout Middle Tennessee.

Antioch took time out of their busy schedule for their annual team retreat last Friday. What a great way to end August and start a holiday weekend. They focused on effective communication, active listening, stress management, and team building. They also spent time learning about the symptoms and treatment of Schizophrenia and mindfulness in self-care.

June is LGBTQIA+ Pride Month. We're forming a human rainbow to show our support of all genders.

MHC's Clay Harris received Tennessee's "Susan Hammonds White Leadership in the Counseling Profession Award." Clay is president of TLPCA; he has served as Treasurer of the TLPCA in years past. Clay also serves on several committees that focus on improving the way counseling and therapy are done. We're so proud of Clay's contributions to MHC and around the state! Congratulations, Clay!

For Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week, our thoughtful Murfreesboro satellite wrote letters to children who are in inpatient care at Rolling Hills.

Did you know 1 in 6 boys will be sexually assaulted before their 18th birthday? We were honored to join our friends from the Sexual Assault Center (SAC) this morning, at their inaugural “1-In-6 Breakfast Fundraiser,” to help raise money to support their important work around this issue. Mayor Briley reinforced the significance of appropriately funding this effort by earmarking $100,000 of his new budget for this cause. CEO, Rachel Freeman shared an appreciation for her staff, community supporters and those who made today’s event possible. Thanks to SAC for all you do for our community!

The NAMI Walk/5k & Village was held this past Saturday at Shelby Park in Nashville. Despite the rain and forecasted storms, MHC had one of the largest teams present! We are so grateful to everyone who came out to represent and support Team MHC! Thank you to NAMI Davidson County, Nashville TN for a wonderful event!

MHC's CEO, Pam Womack, accepts the Statewide Community Impact Award from the Tennessee Conference on Social Welfare (TCSW). The honor was given on behalf of MHC's “decades of outstanding and innovative services including the newly opened Crisis Treatment Center.”

The Tennessee Conference on Social Welfare (TCSW) presented the Statewide Community Impact Award to MHC for “decades of outstanding and innovative services including the newly opened Crisis Treatment Center.”

We are proud of where we came from: Tyrone Johnson (Care Manager III), Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. Marsha Thompson (Safety Net Supervisor), Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Queenie Jordan (Referral Specialist, IHC), Alpha Kappa Alpha, Sorority, Inc. Mikayla Elliott (Care Manager I), Alpha Kappa Alpha, Sorority, Inc. Tracye Jones (Care Manager I), Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Raven Careathers (Care Manager I), Alpha Kappa Alpha, Sorority, Inc. Evelyn Yeargin (Director of Advocacy), Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Denise Lawson (Emergency Psychiatric Services Triage Supervisor), Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.

Celebrating is what we do well! Our Columbia Children and Youth Care Manager, Chelsey Olmsted, shared her talent and the love with the rest of her team by creating these unique pictures for everyone on Valentines Day.

In honor of Black History Month, we asked employees to celebrate an HBCU (Historically Black College and University) by wearing their school t-shirt. Left to Right: Laurissa Garlington (Bus. Development Specialist), Tennessee State University. Khadijah Alexander (Care Manager), Fisk University. Jackie Smith (Supervisor), Tennessee State University.

People experiencing a mental health crisis have a new place to get help. MHC's Crisis Treatment Center in Nashville will offer round the clock comprehensive treatment for adults and children.

The Center works with the Metro Police and the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, among other agencies to offer round the clock comprehensive treatment for adults and children.

A grand opening ceremony took place Tuesday, January 29, 2019 at the Center located at 250 Cumberland Bend in Nashville. Mayor David Briley is a big supporter of mental health services because of the experience with his family and spoke to a gathering of mental health professionals.

According to the CDC, 1 in 5 Americans will meet criteria for a diagnosable mental illness. The new psychiatric ER, located in Metro Center, is one of less than 10 of its kind in the country.

Sometimes police are the first people to respond when things get desperate. We want police to know they have other options besides jail,” Adam Graham, Director of Emergency Psychiatric Services, explains.

During the grand opening celebration, Mayor Briley said, “This weekend our city will start a new service to our community: Immediate, comprehensive and compassionate treatment around the clock for adults and young people suffering from a mental health crisis. And that is good news. Not just to those individuals who are suffering in a crisis moment, but to all those people that surround them.”

It doesn’t look like an ER, and that was on purpose. Take away the flashing lights and harsh sounds, and MHC has created an environment tailored to mental health crisis.

In many cases, police officers wait hours with someone in crisis at the hospital, because they’re required to stay with them until they’re somewhere secure. “Instead of waiting hours, and hours, and hours in the emergency room or in a jail… this can be a place where they start to get help right away," says Adam Graham, Director of Emergency Psychiatric Services.

To help some of our families in need, MHC employee Ganiel Williams, organized a food drive competition between all the Children and Youth Care Management teams. Each team chose four families to provide a little help to over Thanksgiving. In all, the group gathered over 300 canned goods to feed 20 families this Thanksgiving.

We are celebrating our consumers today in our adult clinic at Metro Center with a tree of thankfulness, coloring activities, and raffles for $50 gift cards. Our consumer stories of healing and hope inspire us.

MHC's Gallatin office highlights their appreciation for our consumers. We are so grateful for those we serve.

Our IHC primary care clinic hosted a "sock drive" for consumers. Employees and their families collected a total of 464 pairs of socks for men, women, and children consumers of MHC services.

Congratulations to MHC’s Debbie Ervin for being nominated as the March of Dimes “Nurse of the Year Award.”

In the Halloween spirit at work

Happy Halloween from our Dickson office.

MHC's Ashlyn Daugherty and Osha Thomas help women in Chattanooga "take back the night" on October 17th. "Take Back the Night" is an internationally recognized event that is a visible stand against sexual violence, specifically violence against women. Chattanooga's event highlighted bravery and courage in the women in attendance.

Congratulations to MHC Chief Financial Officer David Wilson for being named "Nashville Business Journal’s CFO of the Year" for non-profit agencies. Wilson is among five CFO’s who were nominated in this category and honored at a dinner on October 10th. Congratulations, David! We're proud recipients of your contributions here at MHC.

Congratulations to our own Steve Sheehan, Director of Staff Development, for being awarded “Humanitarian of the Year” by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)/Davidson County Chapter. Steve was recognized for his work in bringing NAMI’s “In Your Own Voice” program to Mental Health Cooperative’s New Employee Orientations every month.

MHC’s own Debbie Ervin was nominated for the 2018 March of Dimes “Nurse of the Year Award.” The awards ceremony will be held November 1st at Belmont University.

MHC Antioch supports #SpeakUpSaveLives2018

MHC's Nashville location supports #SpeakUpSaveLives2018

MHC Cookeville supports #SpeakUpSaveLives2018

MHC's Crisis Team supports #SpeakUpSaveLives2018

MHC Chattanooga supports #SpeakUpSaveLives2018

MHC's Chief Financial Officer David Wilson has been nominated for "Nashville Business Journal’s CFO of the Year" for non-profit agencies. Wilson is among five CFO’s nominated in this category and will be honored at a dinner on October 10th. Congratulations, David!

Work-life balance is important to MHC so we gave our care management supervisors a day to step away from work and focus on finding a balance with self‐care and work life. The group discussed accountability, integrity, and enhancing trust within our teams as they relaxed in a refreshing environment. We are so grateful for our care management leaders here at MHC!

Nathan Harris, our therapist at Galen North Pediatrics in Chattanooga, spoke to over 100 school nurses of Hamilton County Schools about how to address a student who is having suicidal thoughts/ideation. This is his second year presenting due to staff demand! Everyone who meets Nathan immediately loves him and he truly has a talent for public speaking.

Our MHC Antioch team hosted a Back to School Bash for over 40 consumers. The team focused on coping skills needed to be successful in school.

MHC employees support ROYGBIV

MHC senior leaders support PRIDE awareness

MHC Columbia clinic celebrates ROYGBIV

Several times a year MHC partners with Saint Thomas and Susan G Komen to host mobile mammograms onsite at our mental health offices. 11 consumers were screened this month at the Nashville MHC location. MHC provided transportation for consumers interested in being screened, removing one more barrier for those working to improve their health.

MHC celebrates 25 incredible years of serving adults with serious mental illness and children with emotional/behavioral challenges. Pictured are a special group of dedicated employees who have been with MHC since inception in 1993. Pictured from left to right: Kimber Dills, Dimple Warren, Evelyn Yeargin, Peggy Hoffman, Pam Womack, Stella Lloyd & Jacquelyn Smith

MHC Chattanooga celebrates with dinner and a baseball game. MHC has been providing full service behavioral health care for children, adults, and families across Middle Tennessee for 25 YEARS!

MHC Chattanooga celebrates with dinner and a baseball game. MHC has been providing full service behavioral health care for children, adults, and families across Middle Tennessee for 25 YEARS!

MHC Chattanooga celebrates with dinner and a baseball game. MHC has been providing full service behavioral health care for children, adults, and families across Middle Tennessee for 25 YEARS!

MHC Chattanooga celebrates with dinner and a baseball game. MHC has been providing full service behavioral health care for children, adults, and families across Middle Tennessee for 25 YEARS!

MHC Chattanooga celebrates with dinner and a baseball game. MHC has been providing full service behavioral health care for children, adults, and families across Middle Tennessee for 25 YEARS!

MHC Chattanooga celebrates with dinner and a baseball game. MHC has been providing full service behavioral health care for children, adults, and families across Middle Tennessee for 25 YEARS!

MHC Chattanooga celebrates with dinner and a baseball game. MHC has been providing full service behavioral health care for children, adults, and families across Middle Tennessee for 25 YEARS!

MHC Chattanooga celebrates with dinner and a baseball game. MHC has been providing full service behavioral health care for children, adults, and families across Middle Tennessee for 25 YEARS!

Prevention is always the best option. This month our trained wellness coaches are conducting wellness classes for consumers to learn healthy habits, tips, and techniques to enhance their overall well being. These support courses include healthy eating and exercise, as well as diabetes management.

Our Care Managers in Chattanooga and Cleveland recently participated in an Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST). ASIST teaches participants to recognize when someone may have thoughts of suicide and work with them to create a plan that will support their immediate safety. Studies show that the ASIST method helps reduce suicidal feelings in those at risk and is a cost-effective way to help address the problem of suicide.

National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day shines a national spotlight on the importance of caring for every child’s mental health and reinforces that positive mental health is essential to a child’s healthy development.

National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day shines a national spotlight on the importance of caring for every child’s mental health and reinforces that positive mental health is essential to a child’s healthy development.

National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day shines a national spotlight on the importance of caring for every child’s mental health and reinforces that positive mental health is essential to a child’s healthy development.

National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day shines a national spotlight on the importance of caring for every child’s mental health and reinforces that positive mental health is essential to a child’s healthy development.

National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day shines a national spotlight on the importance of caring for every child’s mental health and reinforces that positive mental health is essential to a child’s healthy development.

National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day shines a national spotlight on the importance of caring for every child’s mental health and reinforces that positive mental health is essential to a child’s healthy development.

National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day shines a national spotlight on the importance of caring for every child’s mental health and reinforces that positive mental health is essential to a child’s healthy development.

Footings for the foundation of MHC's new crisis treatment center have been poured.

MHC supported NAMI Tennessee at their annual Gala Tuesday night where Naomi Judd received the Vision of Hope Award

Wynonna Judd introduces her mother and NAMI Tennessee Vision of Hope Award Winner Naomi Judd at last night’s gala. I appreciate their courage in sharing their personal struggles in an effort to reduce stigma and help others.

Mental Health Cooperative CEO Pam Womack was acknowledged by Mayor David Briley this morning, at his State of Metro address. Pam was selected for the Mayor's "Behavioral Health Advisory Council." Mayor Briley signed an Executive Order this morning officially establishing the Council.

MHC supports DCS and Foster Care Awareness last Saturday in Clarksville

On April 21st, several of our MHC employees, their families, and furry friends participated in the annual NAMI Walk/Run at Shelby Park. The NAMI walk is a wonderful fundraiser that helps to ensure their advocacy and education continues. NAMI Tennessee has been an incredible partner with MHC throughout the years and it was amazing to see so many people come out to represent Team MHC!

MHC employees laced up their sneakers to support NAMI's annual 5k run and walk in Shelby Park. The event is held to draw awareness to mental health and support the NAMI organization in it's Davidson County efforts to reduce stigma.

MHC employees laced up their sneakers to support NAMI's annual 5k run and walk in Shelby Park. The event is held to draw awareness to mental health and support the NAMI organization in it's Davidson County efforts to reduce stigma.

MHC-Clarksville officially opened its new doors on Friday, April 20, 2018. The larger facility was constructed to accommodate a growing Montgomery County population in need of services. MHC had dozens of clinical partners and business professionals tour the new building during a light lunch. The new mental health office finished construction in November 2017.

MHC was awarded the 2018 Distinguished Service to Families honor from the Tennessee Association for Marriage and Family Therapy. This award recognizes an agency who exhibits excellence and dedication in working with families in Tennessee. Last week, the Tennessee Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (TNAMFT) and the Tennessee Licensed Professional Counselor Association (TLPCA) came together to host the 2nd Annual Counseling and Therapy Summit where this award was presented.

Here's something to smile about! Katrina West recently received dentures through MHC's partnership with Interfaith Dental Clinic. It's part of the SHINE initiative, to provide free dental services to the uninsured in need of help. To date, over a million Tennesseans are without dental insurance, more than one-third of the population older than 65 have lost all of their teeth. Tennessee is also one of six states that includes no dental coverage for Medicaid enrollees 21 or older.

Melissa Johnson received the Civilian of the 4th Quarter 2017 recognition from the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office. This is a recognition by the Sheriff’s Office staff and supervisors.

MHC's Adam Graham, LPC/MHSP presents the "Opposite of Suicide" to Tennessee Commission on Children & Youth (Mid-Cumberland Council) at a recent training event in Clarksville. Adam is the Program Manager over Diversion Services for MHC and is heavily involved in Tennessee's initiatives to reduce/eliminate suicide.

MHC will expand services into DeKalb County as part of the SOCAT (System of Care Across Tennessee) grant expansion. SOCAT is a program designed to support families, children, adolescents, and young adults as mental health concerns are addressed. The program focuses on youth who are experiencing emotional/behavioral concerns that affect daily life or at-risk of psychiatric hospitalization, residential placement, or placement in DCS custody. MHC began offering these wrap-around, comprehensive services in Coffee County under the SOCAT grant in 2016.

Meet our FEPI Team! The FEPI (First Episode Psychosis Initiative) team works with young people who have recently experienced their first onset of psychosis. They use a team based, shared decision making model where the client is in the driver’s seat and the treatment team provides support and education.

MHC's Integrated Health Cooperative primary care clinic brought a mobile unit to campus for free mammogram screenings. 14 consumers received screenings; three women had never had a mammogram before. This is one small step to lengthening our consumers’ lives.

MHC therapists enjoy a day of training, self care, camaraderie, and holiday cheer.

MHC's new Clarksville location is open today. Visit us at 871 Professional Park Drive, Clarksville, Tennessee 37040. TennCare Welcome.

Students at several different Hamilton County Schools can now get therapy without leaving the building. Mental Health Cooperative partnered with 11 Hamilton County Schools, to provide therapy for kids and families in a school setting. Regional Supervisor for therapy, Keith Nilson, says this way they are able to help more kids.

Congratulations to Alex Shoemaker for being honored as March of Dimes 2017 Behavioral Health Nurse of the Year.

Three of MHC's nurses were nominated in March of Dimes 2017 Nurse of the Year awards. Pictured is MHC's Jennifer Raleigh, Brittany Hornbuckle, and Alex Shoemaker; all nominated for this year's behavioral health awards.

There's a mental health "ER" coming to Nashville. In order to stop pressure on police and supply a place for people in mental health crisis, Metro Health Department and Mental Health Cooperative announced plans to build a mental health “ER”. The $3 million facility will be a place police can drop off patients dealing with mental health issues for immediate treatment. Check out "What's New With Us" for a link to the Newschannel 5 story on this new facility.

Congratulations to Nurse Manager Jennifer Raleigh on being a nominee in the Nurse of the Year Award sponsored by the March of Dimes of Middle Tennessee. The Nurse of the Year awards recognize excellence in nursing and pay tribute to the tireless efforts of nurses to provide quality patient care. For more on Jennifer's story, click on the link here: http://bit.ly/2yLHYdw

MHC's Evelyn Yeargin takes the stage as President of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) - Davidson County during the Well Within Awards.

MHC's CEO Pam Womack supports recognized staff at the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) - Davidson County "Well Within" Awards.

Fall back into Health event at the Child and Youth Development Center in Chattanooga

This week is an opportunity to recognize the dedication, compassion and quality patient care outcomes achieved by case managers across the health care continuum. Here at MHC, we like to refer to our case managers as CARE managers; they are exceptional people who deliver exceptional care. Read more here: http://bit.ly/2g1vPXI

MHC's Adam Graham and Michael Randolph were recognized by the National Alliance on Mental Illness Davidson County “With Hope in Mind Award" for community service with NAMI in the area of children and families.

MHC Supports the Cheatham County Community Enhancement Coalition. Pictured here: Trish Sanders, Musheda Haji, and Rebecca Selove.

A smile changes everything. With the help of Mental Health Cooperative and Interfaith Dental Clinic, Evan Leonard received a new set of dentures. It's part of the SHINE initiative, to provide free dental services to the uninsured in need of help. To date, over a million Tennesseans are without dental insurance, more than one-third of the population older than 65 have lost all of their teeth. Tennessee is also one of six states that includes no dental coverage for Medicaid enrollees 21 or older. For more of Evan's testimony, check out his story here: http://bit.ly/2xkJ2Ga

MHC is excited to partner With Bradley-Polk Walk-In & Medical Center in Ocoee, Tennessee beginning Wednesday, October 11th. James Lewicki, LMFT will be providing evidence based psychotherapy for children, adolescents and adults on site. To make a referral or for additional information call (423) 697-5953.

MHC was presented with a Zero Suicide Initiative award for implementing as an agency all 7 domains of the Zero Suicide Initiative. Pictured here from left to right: Scott Ridgeway, Executive Director of the Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network; Anne Young, TSPN Advisory Council Chair; Misty Leitsch, Tennessee Zero Suicide Initiative Coordinator; Morenike Murphy, Director of Crisis Services, Tennessee Department of Mental Health; Adam Graham, Program Manager of MHC’s Emergency Psychiatric Diversion Services; Jacob Henry, Supervisor of MHC’s Emergency Psychiatric Diversion Services; Hon. Jim Henry, Deputy Governor of Tennessee; Marie Williams, Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Mental Health; Jameson K. Norton, CEO of Vanderbilt Psychiatric Hospital and Clinics

MHC’s Crisis Supervisor, Michael Randolph, LPC/MHSP assisted Metro Police in standoff negotiations in Bellevue this past weekend resulting in a successful and peaceful outcome. Check out the story here; http://bit.ly/2xv4ffk

The concrete has been poured and walls are going up; MHC Clarksville is moving to a new location. Opening October 30, the MHC's Clarksville clinic will open it's new doors at 871 Professional Park Drive.

In an effort to help equip the United States Secret Service with a better understanding of mental illness, MHC’s Adam Graham, LPC-MHSP, Program Manager of Emergency Psychiatric Diversion Services, led a workshop in Nashville on “Understanding Psychosis”. The goal was to help agents conducting investigations not only understand, but to effectively interact with people who suffer with psychotic symptoms.

In an effort to help equip the United States Secret Service with a better understanding of mental illness, MHC’s Crisis Supervisor Michael Randolph, LPC-MHSP, led a workshop in Nashville on “Understanding Psychosis”. The goal was to help agents conducting investigations not only understand, but to effectively interact with people who suffer with psychotic symptoms.

Keith Nilsen, MS, LPC-MHSP, MHC's Regional Supervisor of Therapy & Assessment in Chattanooga, provided training to school counselors and administrators within the Hamilton County Department of Education at the Youth Summit. The training, “Grounding Skills for Crisis Intervention,” was an interactive presentation designed to help professionals teach young people how to manage strong emotions to avoid self-harm and suicidal behavior.

MHC SOCAT team goes to the National Wraparound Implementation Academy in Baltimore.

Care Management Program Manager Kim Batson and IHC Program Manager Kate Habegger celebrate MHC's 24th anniversary at the Nashville Sounds baseball game.

MHC employees celebrate the organization's 24th anniversary at Nashville's Sounds baseball game.

MHC employees celebrate the organization's 24th anniversary at Nashville's Sounds baseball game.

Supervisor of Therapy Clay Harris and his family celebrate MHC's 24th anniversary at the Nashville Sounds baseball game.

MHC employees and their families celebrate the organization's 24th anniversary at Nashville's Sounds baseball game.

MHC employees and their families celebrate the organization's 24th anniversary at Nashville's Sounds baseball game.

C&Y Special Programs Program Manager Andrea Westerfield and her family celebrate MHC's 24th anniversary at the Nashville Sounds baseball game.

MHC employees celebrate the organization's 24th anniversary at Nashville's Sounds baseball game.

Mental Health Cooperative employees celebrate the agency's 24th anniversary at Nashville's Sounds baseball game.

Case Management Supervisor Betsy Holmes with her son at Nashville's Sounds baseball game, celebrating MHC's 24th anniversary.

MHC's Adam Graham, LPC-MHSP, Program Manager of Emergency Psychiatric Diversion Services, was a panelist on suicide intervention at the 2017 Middle Tennessee Suicide Prevention Summit, hosted by HCA. The summit was for CFO’s and HR Representatives in the construction industry. Pictured from left to right: Dr. Sally Spencer-Thomas, Clinical Psychologist, CEO and Co-founder of the Carson Spencer Foundation; Scott Ridgway, Executive Director of the Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network; Becky Stoll, VP of Crisis and Disaster Management for Centerstone; Dr. Eric Rueth, Medical Director of Vanderbilt Psychiatric Assessment Services; and Adam Graham, LPC-MHSP.

Mental Health Cooperative employees in our Eastern region offices celebrated the 24th anniversary of behavioral health services in Middle Tennessee. Our MHC family gathered at a Chattanooga Lookout's baseball game for food and fellowship together.

Mental Health Cooperative employees in our Eastern region offices celebrated the 24th anniversary of behavioral health services in Middle Tennessee. Our MHC family gathered at a Chattanooga Lookout's baseball game for food and fellowship together. Pictured from left to right: Michael Kirshner (VP of Development), Ruth vanBergen (Senior VP of Operations), Monica Schmidt (Intake Program Manager), and Jenn Hennessee (Business Development Specialist).

As MHC family, we celebrated the epic solar eclipse across the state at all ten locations. Each clinic brought out the food, music, and fun to witness the total eclipse together. Pictured is VP of Development Michael Kirshner with CEO Pam Womack.

MHC crisis team watches out for the epic solar eclipse that made it's debut over Nashville on August 21, 2017.

The epic solar eclipse made it's debut over Nashville on August 21, 2017.

As MHC family, we celebrated the epic solar eclipse across the state at all ten locations. Each clinic brought out the food, music, and fun to witness the total eclipse together.

As MHC family, we celebrated the epic solar eclipse across the state at all ten locations. Each clinic brought out the food, music, and fun to witness the total eclipse together. Pictured is our Cleveland location.

As MHC family, we celebrated the epic solar eclipse across the state at all ten locations. Each clinic brought out the food, music, and fun to witness the total eclipse together. Pictured is our Antioch location.

As MHC family, we celebrated the epic solar eclipse across the state at all ten locations. Each clinic brought out the food, music, and fun to witness the total eclipse together. Pictured is our Clarksville location.

The epic solar eclipse made it's debut over Nashville on August 21, 2017.

As MHC family, we celebrated the epic solar eclipse across the state at all ten locations. Each clinic brought out the food, music, and fun to witness the total eclipse together. Pictured is our Metro Nashville location.

As MHC family, we celebrated the epic solar eclipse across the state at all ten locations. Each clinic brought out the food, music, and fun to witness the total eclipse together. Pictured is our Gallatin location.

As MHC family, we celebrated the epic solar eclipse across the state at all ten locations. Each clinic brought out the food, music, and fun to witness the total eclipse together. Pictured is our Dickson location.

As MHC family, we celebrated the epic solar eclipse across the state at all ten locations. Each clinic brought out the food, music, and fun to witness the total eclipse together. Pictured is our Metro location.

As MHC family, we celebrated the epic solar eclipse across the state at all ten locations. Each clinic brought out the food, music, and fun to witness the total eclipse together. Pictured is our Murfreesboro location.

As MHC family, we celebrated the epic solar eclipse across the state at all ten locations. Each clinic brought out the food, music, and fun to witness the total eclipse together. Pictured is our Chattanooga location.

MHC was thrilled to host the Davidson County Department of Children’s Services Community Advisory Board (CAB) meeting. Pictured are Musheda Haji representing MHC, Dana Eskridge from DCS Resource Linkage.

Congrats to Matthew Walker Comprehensive Health Center in Clarksville for 10 years of service to this wonderful community!

MHC proudly supports the outstanding work of the Cumberland Pediatric Foundation in Chattanooga. For more information about this organization, please visit www.cumberlandpediatric.org

MHC Support Tennessee Voices for Children

Integrated Health Cooperative (IHC) partnered with Saint Thomas Health and Susan G. Komen Foundation to offer patients mammogram screenings today. 15 consumers took part in the free event. This is the fourth of five mammogram screenings offered by IHC this year. The next screening will be available November 1st. IHC is MHC's primary care team.

The concrete has been poured and construction has begun; we're moving our Clarksville location! The new facility is expected to be finished Fall 2017.

Each month MHC is adding staff and growing our services to reach more hearts and hands in need of behavioral health help. This month we're welcoming 35 more faces to the MHC team! That's more help and even more hope for Middle Tennessee. If you or someone you know is interested in joining an all-star team, here's a few open positions we're hiring for right now: https://www.mhc-tn.org/careers/career-portal/

MHC Supports Metro Nashville Public Schools Social and Emotional Learning Conference

Brianna Grant, LCSW Supervisor of Primary Care Partnerships for MHC presents at the Metro Nashville Public Schools Social and Emotional Learning Conference

MHC's Dickson school-based program is growing! The program has more than tripled since the beginning of 2016's school year. The team says collaboration with school staff, 'excellent' care management services, and engagement over the summer months are the secret sauce to their success.

Kaitlyn Bibb, Jama Malloy, and Amanda Pollard took time out of their weekend to participate in a Foster Care Awareness Event in Clarksville. It was a great opportunity to share MHC services with the community.

Care Manager Ashlee Boyd is a child and adolescent care manager in Mental Health Cooperative's Sumner office located in Gallatin, Tennessee. "I love that there is a “team” mindset throughout the office and that every teammate is willing to step up to the plate and help each other out." Ashlee shares her MHC success story, journeying with one consumer through self-harm to discover self-esteem. Read her story here: http://bit.ly/2tv79eJ

MHC's Dickson location supervisors sharing awareness of the behavioral health services MHC has to offer for seniors at the Senior Center.

Mental Health Cooperative Program Manager, Clay Harris, LPC-MHSP, has been named President-elect of the Tennessee Licensed Professional Counselors Association (TLPCA).

Everyday MHC is expanding into new communities in Middle Tennessee who need behavioral health help. Today we welcome 36 more minds to our growing MHC team. In this room, we believe there is help and refreshing hope ready to reach more hearts than ever.

MHC supports the groundbreaking of the new Erlanger/Acadia psychiatric hospital in Chattanooga directly across the street from our office.

Adam Graham, LPC/MHSP, Program Manager of Diversion Services at Mental Health Cooperative presented his “Opposite of Suicide” research at the American Association of Suicidology (AAS) conference in Phoenix, Arizona on April 30.

About 150 blue shirts filled Shelby Park on Saturday, April 8, as Team MHC took part in NAMI Davidson County's 5k run and walk. The annual event is a community effort to raise awareness for mental health. Photo credit: Memories by Murray 2017

Team MHC's Josh Thompson, Michael Randolph, Adam Graham, Trisha Keehn, Ashley Brown start the NAMI 5k race off together. Photo credit: Memories by Murray 2017

Team MHC's Brooke Miller runs for mental health awareness in NAMI's 5k run on Saturday, April 8th in East Nashville's Shelby Bottoms Park. Photo credit: Memories by Murray, 2017

Team MHC's Chance Littrell runs for mental health awareness in NAMI's 5k run on Saturday, April 8th in East Nashville's Shelby Bottoms Park. Littrell medaled second male in his age bracket. Photo credit: Memories by Murray, 2017

Team MHC's Adam Graham runs for mental health awareness in NAMI's 5k run on Saturday, April 8th in East Nashville's Shelby Bottoms Park. Photo credit: Memories by Murray, 2017

Team MHC's Kristen West runs for mental health awareness in NAMI's 5k run on Saturday, April 8th in East Nashville's Shelby Bottoms Park. Photo credit: Memories by Murray, 2017

Team MHC's Trisha Keehn and Ashley Brown run for mental health awareness in NAMI's 5k run on Saturday, April 8th in East Nashville's Shelby Bottoms Park. Keehn medaled first female in her age bracket. Photo credit: Memories by Murray, 2017

Team MHC's Leah Hardwick runs for mental health awareness in NAMI's 5k run on Saturday, April 8th in East Nashville's Shelby Bottoms Park. Photo credit: Memories by Murray, 2017

Team MHC's Traci Pekovitch, Kyle Wilson, Melissa Webb Oliver, Jason Oliver, and Ethan Oliver take a victory lap for mental health awareness around Shelby Park's lake. Photo credit: Memories by Murray, 2017

Team MHC's Kristen Guenther and Trisha Keehn take a victory lap for mental health awareness around Shelby Park's lake. Photo credit: Memories by Murray, 2017

About 150 blue shirts filled Shelby Park on Saturday, April 8, as Team MHC took part in NAMI Davidson County's 5k run and walk. The annual event is a community effort to raise awareness for mental health. Photo credit: Memories by Murray 2017

MHC's primary care team, Integrated Health Cooperative (IHC) partnered with Saint Thomas Health and Susan G. Komen Foundation to offer consumers mammogram screenings.

MHC's Amanda Bracht presents at the Mental Health America of Middle Tennessee "Incarceration and Behavioral Health Conference."

Metro Nashville Police Department SWAT Negotiators Team spent a week with MHC's crisis team being trained in real life behavioral health scenarios and educated in mental health issues impacting children and youth.

MHC's Kristen Guenther in Hickman County

MHC Supports Maury County Schools

MHC officially launched the new statewide initiative called Tennessee Health Link (THL). THL is a team of professionals associated with an agency who provide whole-person, patient centered, coordinated care for assigned adult and child TennCare members with significant behavioral health needs. For more on this story, click on the link: http://bit.ly/2hgEt4O

Congrats to MHC CEO Pam Womack for being included in Nashville Medical News INCHARGE Health Care 2017, which recognizes Nashville’s top health care "decision makers" across all disciplines.