In Tennessee alone, 1220 people died by suicide in 2019 according to a 2021 state report. In the same year, Tennessee’s death by suicide per 100,000 people was 29% higher than the country.
Anderson County and ASAP of Anderson are committed to the fight against suicide and for mental health resources and availability. The City of Clinton signed a proclamation this month recognizing September as Suicide Awareness Month and ASAP has teamed up with the Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network.
Here are just some of the resources that are available throughout the county and state.
The national 24/7 hotline is available to call or text anytime at 988.
McNabb Center
The McNabb Center is a region-wide nonprofit focused on providing mental health, substance use, social and victim services. Walk-in services are available for adults and for children.
Their Anderson County location is at 100 Adams Lane, Oak Ridge TN.
To make an appointment or find more information, go to McNabbCenter.org or call them at (865) 483-7743.
Ridgeview Behavioral Health
Ridgeview Behavioral Health is a community mental health center based in Oak Ridge and covers five other counties along with Anderson. They provide mental health, substance use, and children and youth services. They are also a founding member of the East Tennessee Crisis Intervention Team. The center is located 240 West Tyrone Road, Oak Ridge.
To make an appointment or learn more about their services go to Ridgeview.com or call (865) 482-1076.
NAMI
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is a national nonprofit organization with a chapter located in Oak Ridge. They lead education and advocacy efforts regarding mental health while also providing support groups, donation opportunities, and a support line available Monday-Friday from 9-5 for a referral or even just a listening ear. For more information go to NAMIOakRidge.org or to reach their support line call (865)-466-1234.
Anderson County Schools
Anderson County Schools is unique to many other school systems in Tennessee, in having their own mental health therapists in schools. This therapist’s role in the schools is to assess and improve students’ mental, emotional, and social health. They can provide observational assessments, individual and group counseling sessions, crisis intervention for emergency mental health needs, family/home consultation, and/or referrals to outside community-based agencies when appropriate.
If you think anyone in your life may be struggling with mental health, take the time to reach out, offer support, and even offer to call a resource with them to help find the professional help they may need.
