Horizon Behavioral Health highlights local services, mobile crisis teams and housing supports

Melissa Lucy, director of community relations for Horizon Behavioral Health, told the Amherst County Board of Supervisors on April (date not specified) that Horizon celebrated its 50th anniversary and expanded services in the region.

Lucy said in‑person appointments rose from 61,802 in fiscal 2023 to 70,279 in fiscal 2024, and that Horizon’s portfolio now includes emergency services, a women’s recovery center, forensic services, permanent supportive housing and mobile response and co‑responder teams intended to reduce hospital readmissions. “With both local and state level support, Horizon launched two new services that will have a direct impact on hospital readmission,” she said.

Lucy said Horizon’s Intermediate Care Facilities facilitated community events and that the agency connected 27 people with severe mental illness to permanent supportive housing using grant funds for housing, furniture and basic supplies. She also noted the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) rural health outreach grant covering Amherst and Bedford counties is in its third year and reported program outcomes: of 119 participants referenced, 109 avoided psychiatric hospitalization (reported as 91 percent), 102 increased coping skills (93 percent), 91 were taking psychotropic medications as directed (76 percent) and 89 reported improved social connectedness (75 percent).

Lucy described a new adolescent tobacco cessation program supported by the American Lung Association and Horizon’s Tree Grant, and said Horizon offers telehealth appointments in addition to growing in‑person visits. She also described a receiving center on Fenwick Drive in Lynchburg that will offer walk‑ins, 23‑hour observation, detox and residential crisis stays; Lucy said renovations are ahead of schedule with a planned grand opening invite to the board, but licensing and credentialing could delay opening to around March following completion.

Board members asked for clarification about Horizon’s residential homes, and Lucy explained those residences provide daily medical and personal care for residents with intellectual or developmental disabilities who live there as their homes. Several board members thanked Horizon for its services and noted the expected regional benefit of the Fenwick Drive receiving center.

The presentation included summary statistics and program outcomes included in Horizon’s packet; Lucy said staff will leave those materials with the board.