Johnson Mental Health Center in Chattanooga will join other similar agencies across Tennessee and the U.S. recognizing May as Mental Health Awareness Month.
Mental Health Awareness Month evolved from what was first proclaimed as Mental Health Week in 1949, an initiative started by Mental Health America as an effort to make all communities aware of the complex challenges and issues associated with mental illness.
A division of Volunteer Behavioral Health Care System, the local mental health center provides a plethora services associated with mental illness and social and behavioral disorders throughout Hamilton County.
The center offers counseling, psychiatric services and programs to help individuals and families deal with mental health issues such as post- traumatic stress disorder, depression and anxiety. Addiction, treatment and specialized care for children and adolescents are available at Johnson Mental Health Center.
VBHCS currently serves 31 counties and is regarded as a leading mental health provider in the Middle, Southeast and Upper Cumberland regions of Tennessee. The nonprofit welcomes any person seeking services for mental health conditions or addiction issues implementing a "no wrong door" approach and evidence-based treatment.
Volunteer is committed to the betterment of communities through a variety of other programs and services. The agency has been engaged for almost two years in a special program designed to provide permanent housing for U.S. military veterans who are homeless or who may soon be facing homeless conditions.
The program, Mission Accomplished: Stable Housing, relies on the support of a number of Tennessee communities. M.A.S.H. received a boost several months ago when country music entertainer Charlie Daniels joined Volunteer in helping to promote the initiative through special media reports and a public service advertisement series.
Daniels, who has made a commitment to help veterans through The Journey Home Project, of which he is the chairman of the Board, will be hosting the 40th Anniversary Volunteer Jam at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville on Aug. 12 featuring performances from artists like Ted Nugent, Trace Adkins, Alabama, Montgomery Gentry, The Oak Ridge Boys and many more. A portion of the proceeds from the Volunteer Jam are to benefit The Journey Home Project, whose mission is to connect donors with organizations that meet the healthcare, education and career needs of veterans. The event will also benefit the Predators Foundation, devoted to funneling the excitement of professional sports towards community needs.
Tickets for the Volunteer Jam are now on sale and may be purchased through Ticketmaster or at the Bridgestone Arena box office.
To learn more about Volunteer Behavioral Health Care System and the services provided by the local mental health center visit www.vbhcs.org.