BLOUNT COUNTY, Tenn. — The Blount County Commission gave the green light Thursday for the McNabb Center to start building a new mental health and recovery facility focused on supporting people after serving time in prison.
Commissioners voted to transfer at least 3.5 acres of land to the McNabb Center, giving the organization space to build a new transitional center. It will serve people struggling with addiction and experiencing mental health issues, helping give them a safe space to recover.
Ultimately, it will help people re-enter everyday life after serving time in prison.
"When we help support their recovery, they will then be able to contribute to our community as a whole," said Shannon Dow. "Oftentimes, unfortunately, may return back to the same patterns that they had before (being incarcerated)."
The facility will give people shelter, transportation and life skills and give them a sense of stability so that they can focus on recovery. Leaders say the program aims to help break the cycle of incarceration and reduce recidivism.
It's also meant to help address some of Blount County's biggest needs. Its CARES Committee said Blount County most needed resources in mental health and substance abuse treatment, while also reducing overcrowding at its jail.
"Substance use and mental health challenges do not discriminate," said Dow.
The project is estimated to cost $6 million, with some state funds helping cover the price. Money is coming from the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, as well as the state's Opioid Trust Fund. No local tax dollars will be used on the facility. The McNabb Center said it hopes to break ground and start construction on the facility in 2024.
"It's one of the first of its kind in Tennessee," said Dow.
A Letter of Support from a county judge to the state said, "It's clear to me that the legal system is ill-equipped to help folks who suffer from addictions and mental health issues."