If you have turned on the television in the last couple of months you are probably aware that a pivotal moment for health care reform is looming around the corner. The result of the upcoming election will greatly affect the implementation of the health care reform law known as the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA).
In June, The United States Supreme Court announced two important rulings regarding the controversial PPACA. The Supreme Court upheld the Affordable Care Act's mandate for all Americans to purchase health insurance or face a financial penalty. The court also ruled that the federal government cannot withhold Medicaid funding from states that do not choose to expand their Medicaid eligibility. These two decisions have a major impact on individuals living with mental illness and how they access care.
The court's decision will increase insurance coverage opportunities for an estimated 577,813 uninsured Tennesseans. This number includes the one in four adults and one in five children living with mental health conditions. Many experts believe that the individual mandate will create competition among insurance providers and will allow health plans to offer affordable care with important patient protections. Such patient protections include guaranteed coverage and a ban on pre-existing condition exclusions and lifetime and annual limits. These protections are particularly important to individuals who experience chronic and disabling mental health conditions. Inconsistent treatment for people with a serious mental illness due to limits on care can be harmful and even fatal. READ MORE: Health Care Reform
Welcome Dr. Arwood and Dr. Harned
Dr. Arwood
The Center is happy to welcome two new psychiatrists to its staff. Dr. Jana Arwood and Dr. Robert Harned both served at Lakeshore Mental Health Institute in Knoxville, Tenn. and will work with the Center's adult programs and services. Dr. Arwood received her medical degree from East Tennessee State University and completed her residency at Washington University/Barnes-Jewish Hospital. She has served the East Tennessee region for nearly 25 years.
Dr. Harned
Dr. Harned received his medical degree from the Bowman Gray School of Medicine at Wake Forest University and completed his residency at Wake Forest Medical Center. He is also known to play his banjo for therapy/recreation to sub-acute patients.
Safety Net Coverage Expands in East Tennessee
The Helen Ross McNabb Center was recently awarded additional Behavioral Health Safety Net funding from the Tennessee Department of Mental Health.
Due to the staff's leadership and effective service delivery, the Center was positioned to advocate successfully for additional Safety Net funding. The Center has elected to allocate the additional funding to Blount, Cocke, Hamblen, Sevier and Cocke counties to support the Center's strategic plan to provide affordable access to care in those communities. The funds will be disbursed proportionally according to the projected need.
Jerry Vagnier, Helen Ross McNabb Center Vice President of Operations, adds that, "the Helen Ross McNabb Center has advocated for expanded funding to help uninsured adults in East Tennessee who have mental health issues. This year, the Center was able to secure this funding from the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and has elected to direct the Safety Net funding to underserved communities in East Tennessee. Every dollar will support treatment for uninsured and underserved adults experiencing mental illness."
Proudly wearing red shirts that proclaim, "Change the World," a group from Scripps Networks volunteered at the Helen Ross McNabb Center's addiction and crisis treatment facility, CenterPointe, in September. The volunteers built and painted a new lattice fence to provide clients with privacy and a nice place to congregate during breaks. It was hot and laborious but the volunteers managed to keep smiles on their faces and work hard all day! Throughout the day 12 volunteers helped change the world, one nail at time.
SAVE THE DATE
Mike Hammond Concert for Charity
Thursday, October 25 :: The Valarium
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2012 Knoxville Challenger
November 6 - 11
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TODAY ONLY! Get 40% off of Half Depot's Knoxville Challenger Week Pass.
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Proudly wearing red shirts that proclaim, "Change the World," a group from Scripps Networks volunteered at the Helen Ross McNabb Center's addiction and crisis treatment facility, CenterPointe, in September. The volunteers built and painted a new lattice fence to provide clients with privacy and a nice place to congregate during breaks. It was hot and laborious but the volunteers managed to keep smiles on their faces and work hard all day! Throughout the day 12 volunteers helped change the world, one nail at time. 
