SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. — In a significant move to bolster mental health services, Governor Jim Pillen joined Community Alliance on Wednesday to inaugurate their new Center for Mental Health. The nonprofit organization aims to adopt a holistic approach to mental health and overall well-being at the new facility.
President and CEO Carole Boye emphasized the center’s inclusive mission, stating, “Our commitment is to welcome every individual where they are at, whether experiencing a short-term stressor or the beginning of a long-term psychosis.”
The Center for Mental Health goes beyond traditional psychiatric and substance use counseling services. With the new facility, Community Alliance will also provide primary care, physical fitness programs, and eventually dental services, irrespective of patients’ income levels.
COO Aileen Brady highlighted the center’s financial accessibility, noting, “We’re going to help them navigate that financial area. If we can help them apply for some type of insurance, we will. If they’re not eligible, we have a sliding fee scale that they can also utilize.”
The project was primarily funded by private donors, accumulating $57 million, with significant contributions from The Hawks Foundation. Reflecting on the funding journey, Foundation President Rhonda Hawks said, “During the COVID shutdown, we agreed the stars were aligning. The public and political landscape had heightened awareness of mental health issues.”
Additionally, a $10 million ARPA grant supplemented the facility’s funding. Governor Pillen, who last year signed a bill by Sen. Anna Wishart that facilitated the project, acknowledged the widespread mental health challenges in the state. “We have mental health problems across our state,” Pillen remarked. “If there’s one thing that was the most consistent, besides property tax, was we have problems everywhere.”
Set to open its doors on June 27, the new Center for Mental Health is poised to offer comprehensive support to all individuals seeking help, embodying Community Alliance’s commitment to accessible, inclusive mental health care.
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