Addressing Mental Health

Tennessee urgently needs more mental health hospital beds and services across the state. The decision to close Lakeshore and other facilities decades ago left us in a difficult position. Today, it is clear we are failing to meet the mental health needs of our people, and our communities are paying the price in crime, homelessness, tragedy, and broken families.

 

I support policies that remove barriers to treatment while ensuring taxpayer dollars are spent wisely. We must pursue innovative strategies, not a one-size-fits-all government program, and encourage partnerships with the private sector, local nonprofits, and faith-based organizations.

We must also strengthen our workforce by addressing shortages among mental health professionals and expand treatment in places where it’s needed most, such as jails and prisons, where untreated mental illness too often drives overcrowding. By focusing on accountability, safety, and partnerships, we can reduce wait times, improve access to treatment, and protect our communities.