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Claiborne supervisors adopt Mental Health Awareness Month resolution; supervisors press for treatment access
Summary
The board adopted a resolution recognizing May 2025 as Mental Health Awareness Month and authorized execution; supervisors raised concerns about access, the $75 visit fee cited by the mental health provider and whether county funds or workshops could help uninsured or unemployed residents.
The Claiborne County Board of Supervisors on May 19 approved a resolution recognizing May 2025 as Mental Health Awareness Month and authorized the board president to execute the resolution after Chancery Clerk Gloria Dodson presented a request on behalf of River Reach Behavioral Health.
Dodson told the board she attended a mental‑health meeting and that River Reach deputy executive director Don Brown had asked the county to adopt the resolution. The clerk said she would provide Brown's contact information to supervisors for follow‑up and described existing programs River Reach offers. "I have Mister Don Brown contact information," Dodson said during her remarks.
During discussion, Supervisor Chambers said she and President Jones had visited the county mental‑health office seeking help for constituents but had not gotten the assistance they expected, and she raised cost barriers for unemployed residents. Chambers told the board that the provider quoted a $75 visit fee and asked how people without jobs or income could access services. She pressed for referral information and suggested the county consider workshops or broader outreach to meet people where they are.
The board approved the resolution by voice vote and asked staff to provide contact information and explore options for outreach or workshops; Dodson said she would supply the requested contacts and follow‑up details.
The board also discussed organizing a broader workshop or fair to connect residents with mental‑health resources; staff said they would explore funding and partners to hold an event that could reach younger residents and a wider audience in the county.
