Doug Varney, commissioner for the Tennessee Department of Mental HealthNASHVILLE - Paul Fuchar of Chattanooga has been named as chairman of the Tennessee Department of Mental Health Planning and Policy Council.
The council is part of the Tennessee Mental Health Department.
Fuchar is executive director of the Council for Alcohol and Drug Abuse Services, a nonprofit group that provides services to persons across the state who have substance disorders.
"We are very excited about Paul's tenure as chairman," Tennessee Mental Health Commissioner Doug Varney said in a news release. "His leadership at CADAS will serve him well in guiding the direction of the Planning and Policy Council as they advise our department on policy, budget requests, and developing and evaluating services and supports."
The council also assists in planning prevention, early intervention, treatment and rehabilitation services as well as advocate for the needs of persons with mental illness, serious emotional disturbances and substance use disorders.