John Wilson, chief executive officer of the newly formed Thrive, told the Health and Human Services Committee that his organization formed from a merger of Kratos and Transitional Living Services to preserve local behavioral health capacity and strengthen financial stability. Wilson said the two organizations were previously each about $12 million and that the combined organization will approach $27 million in revenue. "We started a conversation... about what it may look like to come together as one entity," he said.

Wilson said Thrive will consolidate outpatient services under a single access point at 611 (Jefferson County) to simplify care for people with mental-health or substance-use diagnoses and to provide walk-in appointments and care management. He identified staffing and rising labor costs as a driver of the merger and said the organization currently employs about 300 people with a 12% vacancy rate.

Wilson also announced that Thrive was awarded a certified community behavioral health clinic (CCBHC) designation in October and plans to begin CCBHC operations July 1, 2025; he told the committee that the CCBHC model covers nine core services and improves reimbursement for comprehensive care. He said Thrive will occupy office space in a planned West Main housing project and expects that project to complete in February 2026, adding approximately 60 beds, of which roughly half will serve people with substance-use and mental-health diagnoses.

Legislator Peck congratulated the organization on the merger and praised the clinic site and services; committee members expressed appreciation.