NASHVILLE – Gov. Bill Lee on Tuesday announced a $15 million plan to boost Tennesseans’ access to mental health treatment as well as expand suicide prevention efforts in a state he says has a “shockingly high” suicide rate.
“The mental health of our citizens is foundational to all other goals we seek to accomplish in education, job growth and public safety,” Lee said in a news release. “By prioritizing our mental health safety net and suicide prevention, we are caring for more Tennesseans and building healthier communities.”
Lee is proposing $5 million in new, recurring funding to provide coverage for an additional 7,000 uninsured Tennessee adults through the state’s Behavioral Health Safety Net program, which provides several essential mental health services.
The governor is recommending an additional $6.2 million in recurring funds to address cost increases and higher demand at the state’s four regional mental health hospitals, including Moccasin Bend Mental Health Institute in Chattanooga.
Lee is aiming to ensure they have resources to continue to provide high-quality care to Tennesseans with the most significant psychiatric needs.