KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — A new behavioral health facility is coming to East Tennessee. The first of its kind in the state, the EmPATH Unit aims to get the right help to the right patients as quickly as possible. It's the McNabb Center's newest facility to help with mental health care.
"EmPATH" is an acronym. It stands for Emergency Psychiatric Assessment, Treatment, and Healing Unit. It's located at the old Saint Mary's Hospital site in North Knoxville, near the current Public Safety Complex. A ribbon cutting was held at the facility on Wednesday afternoon.
It is set to officially open on June 3.
"That is great, it's a very accurate and appropriate acronym. The word 'empath' is very resonant and we picked that on purpose," said Knoxville Mayor Indya Kincannon. "But the people in our community are empathetic to people experiencing medical and psychiatric crises. And all too often, that empathy cannot be translated into services as fast as we hope."
If someone is suffering a behavioral health crisis, it's an alternative to being sent to the emergency department. It's also a diversion from jail. People are able to check themselves into the facility as well if they are experiencing a behavioral health crisis.
It was a collaborative effort, with funding from Knoxville, Knox County and the state. More than $2 million total was invested from Knox County and Knoxville. Most of that was for the purchase of the property.
Additional funds were appropriated for building upgrades, like boiler and disability accommodations. The state also put in $6.1 million.
"We know that this investment is going to make a difference for the people that are here," said Marie Williams, the Tennessee Commissioner of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services. "We also know that it's going to make a difference for their families and their loved ones. And we know that this is going to be a model that we will replicate across this state, because when McNabb is running it, it's done right."
The unit will be able to serve 16 people at any given time.
"I think it's important that I want you to hear it's not 16 beds," said Mona Blanton-Kitts, the president and CEO of the McNabb Center. "It's your recliner model. So people come in, into this very calming environment. So, it's a 23-hour stay, and if at full capacity, we will be able to serve 6,000 people annually."
Blanton-Kitts said around about 3-and-a-half years ago, area hospitals, Knoxville and Knox county mayors, the commissioner, and McNabb Center representatives met with the governor to advocate for something that meets the health care needs of the people.
"The EmPATH unit offers a much better alternative than traditional hospitals for individuals with acute mental health mental health needs," said Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs. "These folks will get the appropriate care, faster and with less expense. The EmPATH unit also benefits our community by freeing up healthcare resources, especially at our emergency departments. Additionally, we'll see a reduction in the time and resources currently spent transporting individuals outside of our area for needed services. This is good for them, and it's good for our community."
Blanton-Kitts said there's always been a need for a facility like this, and the need is continuing to grow. She said the McNabb Center is working to address that need through crisis stabilization units, mobile crisis units and other initiatives. However, she said more needed to be done.
The EmPATH Unit will have 24/7 staff that specializes in mental health care in an environment designed to calm patients.
"A patient will not come in and go into a room by themselves, lay on the bed looking at the ceiling. They come in and immediately services are provided with the goal to stabilize within 23 hours," said Blanton-Kitts.
She said data backs up the effectiveness of this kind of facility and its ability to help those in crisis.
"Research tells us 75% or more of psychiatric crises can be stabilized in 24 hours," said Blanton-Kitts. "Here at the EmPATH unit, immediately when they come in, they will not be boarded. They won't sit in a lobby, they will come in and services will begin immediately."
She said staff will start treating patients with medical care, such as providing needed medication. Then, staff will provide wraparound services that follow patients into the community, aiming to make sure they find a stable home or return to their families so they can heal.