News Summary
The Tennessee Housing Development Agency has allocated $599,200 to the Volunteer Behavioral Health Care System for a new mental health facility in Rhea County. This facility will house 16 beds, divided equally for men and women, providing crucial support for adults over 18 with severe mental health disorders. With the funding, local residents will benefit from accessible care without the need to travel long distances. The initiative is expected to enhance the mental health landscape and improve the overall quality of life in the community.
Dayton, Tennessee – The Tennessee Housing Development Agency (THDA) has awarded $599,200 to the Volunteer Behavioral Health Care System (VBH) to support the establishment of a new mental health facility in Rhea County. This funding, announced on June 18, 2025, will enable the development of services for adults over the age of 18 who require mental health support.
The new facility marks a significant step toward addressing mental health needs that have traditionally compelled residents of Rhea County to seek assistance outside the area. Rhea County Executive Jim Vincent expressed enthusiasm about the project, highlighting its potential to provide local treatment options and reduce the burden on law enforcement agencies currently overwhelmed by mental health crises. The facility will allow patients to receive care without the necessity of traveling to distant locations, such as Moccasin Bend in Chattanooga.
The facility will accommodate 16 beds, with an equal division of eight beds designated for men and eight for women. This arrangement is aimed at offering tailored support for both genders in a residential program designed specifically for those struggling with severe mental health disorders and co-occurring conditions.
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), nearly 937,000 adults in Tennessee are living with a mental health condition, emphasizing the urgent need for accessible services. The THDA funding comes from the Tennessee Housing Trust Fund (THTF), which is specifically allocated to non-profit organizations and community partners that seek to tackle the challenges faced by underserved populations throughout the state.
In addition to the funding from THDA, VBH has also secured additional financing through the Creating Affordable Housing grant administered by the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services. Collectively, these sources of funding have helped generate over $1 million for the project, ensuring a robust support structure for mental health services in Rhea County.
The new facility will provide more than just a roof over people’s heads; it will offer critical supportive services, including medication management, symptom management, and assistance with daily living activities. Recognizing the diverse needs of patients, the facility will be designed to meet universal and ADA accessibility standards, ensuring that individuals with physical challenges can receive the care they need without barriers.
Phyllis Persinger, the President and CEO of VBH, underscored the importance of high-quality supportive living services as part of this initiative and affirmed the positive impact of their collaboration with THDA. The goal of the new facility is not only to provide immediate care but also to foster lasting stability and well-being for its residents, thereby enhancing the overall mental health landscape in Rhea County.
The establishment of this mental health facility will play a vital role in improving the quality of life for many individuals in the community. By providing local access to essential mental health services, Rhea County is poised to become a model for how dedicated support can effectively address mental health challenges and promote recovery resources for its residents.
This investment into mental health resources in Rhea County reflects a growing recognition of the need for comprehensive care solutions that are not just available but also accessible to those in need. With the integration of affordable and permanent housing alongside supportive services, the new facility is expected to alleviate current gaps in mental health care, ultimately nurturing a healthier community.
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Additional Resources
- Rhea Herald News
- Wikipedia: Mental Health
- Times Free Press
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Mental Illness
- FemTech Insider
- Google Search: Mental Health Rhea County
- Local 3 News
- Google News: Rhea County Mental Health
