Scott County Behavioral Health Services Opens New Location

   “You have a good reputation across the state,” said Delegate Terry Kilgore, Rep., speaking about the care provided by Frontier Health and Planning District One Behavioral Health Services 33-year partnership.

   The new location on U.S. Highway 23 North in Weber City will help centralize services. The move and name change from Scott County Mental Health will help improve access to care in the PD1 area.

Kilgore spoke at the Scott County Behavioral Health Services open house Wednesday, March 24, 2010.

   There were 5,386 unique individuals served in Scott, Lee, and Wise counties and the city of Norton during Fiscal 2009, and 857 unique clients in Scott County. The Scott County’s outpatient mental health and substance abuse program also provides crisis services, intensive in-home and home-based services, and Project LINK’s program for pregnant, substance abusing women or mother’s with dependent children.
   “We’re very excited about the opening of this facility,” said Sam Dillon, Executive Director of Planning District One. Dillon expressed gratitude for all the years Scott County has given in-kind use of space at the facility on Military Lane, “The support we’ve received from Scott County’s government is much appreciated. We will continue to utilize the space on Military Lane to serve the region.”

   Our partnership is very unique across the state, said E. Douglas Varney, President and CEO of Frontier Health. “It continues to be a privilege to have personally shared the last 33 years helping to make a difference in the Planning District One region.

   "We have even stronger resolve to continue our partnership and to be a leader establishing and demonstrating the highest standards of excellence for accessible and high quality services.”
   Kilgore also talked about the recent budget battles in Richmond and the safety net services that were restored. “We were able to put a lot of dollars back into the budget at the end for the people who need it and a lot of credit goes to Sen. Wampler.”
   PD1 originated as the Chapter X Board in 1972 and by 1977, Planning District One opened mental health centers in Scott, Lee and Wise counties. In 1980, Planning District One first partnered with Frontier Health to provide mental health and developmental services.

   The 33-year partnership continues to ensure the people of Southwest Virginia have access to care in the counties where they live.

Farah Williams, Ph.D., Joins Frontier Health

   Frontier Health welcomes clinical psychologist Farah Williams, Ph.D., to Scott County Behavioral Health. Williams, a native of Gate City, Va., specializes in child and adolescent psychotherapy and psychological assessments.
   “We’re pleased Dr. Williams has decided to join us,” said E. Douglas Varney, President and CEO. “Dr. Williams’s experience, skills, and capabilities are an asset to Frontier Health and she shares our vision to provide quality services that help people achieve their full potential.”

   Williams completed a pre-doctoral internship and postdoctoral fellowship at the Virginia Treatment Center for Children and an inpatient child and psychiatric hospital at the Virginia Commonwealth Health System in Richmond, Va.

   She also completed extensive training as a forensic evaluator at the Institute for Law, Psychology, and Public Policy, in Charlottesville, Va., and Western State Hospital. During her fellowship, Williams served as the juvenile psychologist for the Richmond City Juvenile Court.

   She received her bachelor’s degree in psychology, master’s degree in education, and Ph.D. in psychology from the University of Virginia

Frontier Health Nets American Graphic Design Award of Excellence

  Frontier Health received an Award of Excellence from Graphic Design USA in their annual American Graphic Design Awards for Frontier Health’s Fiscal 2008 annual report, “Renewing Hope,” showcasing the recovery and success stories of Frontier Health clients.

   Only 15 percent of the more than 8,000 entries were recognized for their excellence. Winners are eligible for reproduction in Graphic Design’s yearly 300-page publication.
    This nearly four decades-old competition is open to advertising agencies, graphic design firms, corporate, institutional and publishing in-house departments, and more. It honors outstanding new work of all kinds across all media: print and collateral, advertising and sales promotion, packaging and point-of-purchase, internet and interactive design, broadcast and motion graphics, corporate identity and logos.

Frontier Health Announces New CFO, Senior Vice President

  Frontier Health’s new Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President of Fiscal Services is long-time employee David McKee. McKee oversees a $49.8 million budget for the agency that served nearly 78,000 individuals during the last fiscal year.

   “We are very pleased to have David McKee as our new CFO,” said E. Douglas Varney, President and CEO. “David has a long relationship with Frontier Health, serving as our Controller since 1992 where he has assisted with two of the mergers that led to the establishment of Frontier Health.”

   McKee graduated from East Tennessee State University where he received a bachelor’s degree in accounting and completed continuing education including the National council for Community Behavioral Healthcare Middle Management Academy and American Institute of Certified Public Accountants’ updates.

   Prior to joining Frontier Health, McKee was the controller for local manufacturer and automotive supply companies. He was also an auditor for an accounting firm where he helped set up and manage accounting systems assuring fiscal accountability.
    McKee is a veteran of the U.S. Army and was honorably discharged after serving in the infantry in Vietnam and Cambodia. He worked with various youth sports including soccer, basketball and baseball and currently is a coach with Johnson City Babe Ruth.

Frontier Health Joins New Statewide Electronic Health Information Partnership

   GRAY, TN – Tennesseans can expect broader accessibility and secure exchange of electronic health information with the creation of a new not-for-profit organization of Tennessee health care leaders and organizations. Frontier Health’s CEO and President E. Douglas Varney is the new statewide board’s vice chair and 2009-2010 chairman of the CareSpark Board of Directors.
    The new Health Information Partnership for Tennessee (HIP TN) is a public-private entity that brings together the state’s local, regional and state electronic health information initiatives and resources into a collaborative partnership and framework. HIP TN will work to improve access to health information so health care providers and consumers can make better, more informed health care decisions.

   “We have reached another milestone in the evolution of electronic health information exchange in Tennessee,” said Bob Gordon, Mid-South eHealth Alliance board member and HIP TN chair. “Our state has received national recognition for leadership in electronic health information and for our regional health information initiatives. HIP TN is another example of just how dedicated our state’s forward-thinking health care providers and stakeholders are to Tennessee's progress in electronic health information.”
    According to Frontier Health’s Varney, “A key HIP TN objective is to focus on security and privacy to ensure a patient’s confidential information is protected and only shared with providers in a secure manner,” said Varney. “The exchange of health information between providers will help patients receive well-coordinated care that will improve quality and cost efficiencies.”
    HIP TN representatives met recently in Nashville to finalize board members and organize workgroups that will work with Tennessee’s Department of Finance and Administration and Office of e-Health Initiatives to develop a statewide, strategic health information exchange plan.
    When finalized, HIP TN will approve the plan the Office of e-Health will submit to the U.S. Health and Human Service Department’s Office of National Coordinator (ONC), the federal agency with oversight of the health information technology portions of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
    The plan will be Tennessee’s application to draw    federal stimulus funds for health information exchange. The Recovery and Reinvestment Act includes approximately $2 billion in funding opportunities for health information technology, including $500 million for regional health information exchange initiatives.
    HIP TN’s workgroups will compile recommendations within the next six weeks to help create governance, clinical objectives, privacy and security, technical architecture, health information technology adoption, consumer education, evaluation and financing.
    HIP TN’s board of directors includes 10 members from the private sector and two representatives of the public sector. HIP TN’s board members are:
“We’ve established a number of action principles,” Varney said. “Health information technology by itself won’t transform the delivery of health care. It will be the people using the technology who will make a difference.”
    For more information, visit www.tn.gov/ehealth and click the HIP TN link.

Crisis Stabilization Unit Opens in Region

Crisis Stabilization Unit

to Provide Short-Term Services

for Mental Health Crises

  Frontier Health opened its Crisis Stabilization Unit to provide a critical resource in Northeast Tennessee.

   The 24/7 Crisis Stabilization Unit opened in late April, providing short-term stabilization services for individuals with mental health.

   The CSU serves residents of 10 counties: Carter, Cocke, Greene, Hancock, Hamblen, Hawkins, Johnson, Sullivan, Unicoi and Washington. Frontier Health is operating the first CSU in Northeast Tennessee and in Southwest Virginia.

   “Instead of transporting clients in need of stabilization away from our region, or placing them in a more restrictive environment, we will be able to address mental health and substance abuse crises at home,” said E. Douglas Varney, President and CEO of Frontier Health.

   “Once stabilized, our CSU will help clients continue needed treatment, referring to resources, treatment and services within their communities.”
    Frontier Health’s CSU is a voluntary, mental health unit for adults 18 years of age and up who are experiencing a mental health emergency.

   Referral to the CSU is made by Frontier Health’s Mobile Crisis Response through an initial screening, assessment and triage.
    Mobile Crisis Response Team works with local emergency rooms, physicians offices, detention centers and others to respond to emergencies.

   Mobile Crisis Response is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you, a family member or friend is experiencing amental health or substance abuse emergency, or you have questions about services that are available, call 1-877-928-9062.

   If the individual experiencing the crisis has attempted to harm themselves or others, call 911 immediately.

Kelly Haught Becomes Division Director  

  Frontier Health announces the appointment of Kelly S. Haught, LPC-MHSP, as the Division Director of Specialty Services. Haught will oversee the new Crisis Stabilization Unit, Mobile Crisis Response, Magnolia Ridge Alcohol & Drug Residential Treatment Center, and Willow Ridge that serves individuals in Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia.

  “I am very pleased to have Kelly as the new division director of Specialty Services,” said Randy Jessee, Senior Vice President of Specialty Services. “She has proven herself to be a fine leader and representative of Frontier Health values. I look forward to continuing our work together.”
   Since joining Frontier Health in 2006, Haught served as an intern at Bristol Regional Counseling Center, as a crisis therapist and as director of Crisis Services. She is an adjunct instructor at East Tennessee State University where she teaches a graduate-level course on psychological assessment. As a member of the Watauga Counseling Association, she has served as treasurer and co-president elect. She was also vice president and regional representative of the VA Council for Learning Disabilities. Haught was also the local coordinator for Special Olympics from 1989-1996.

  In private practice, she provided psychological, diagnostic, and educational assessments throughout the region and was a special education teacher within the Bristol, Va., school system.
Haught has a master’s degree in counseling from ETSU with a concentration in community agency counseling, psychological testing, and school counseling coursework. She has a bachelor’s degree in speech and hearing and special education. She completed continuing education in special education areas of teaching students with learning disabilities and emotional disturbance at the University of Virginia College at Wise, Radford University and ETSU.

Frontier Health Welcomes Physician

  Maria Liquete, M.D., recently joined Frontier Health as a general psychiatrist practicing at Ridgeview Psychiatric Hospital and Wellmont Bristol Medical Center’s medical psychiatric unit, Five East, as part of a management partnership between Frontier Health and Wellmont Health System.

   “We’re pleased Dr. Liquete has decided to join us,” said E. Douglas Varney, President and CEO. “Dr. Liquete’s professional experience, skills, and capabilities are an asset to Frontier Health and she shares our vision to provide quality services that help people achieve their full potential.”
    Dr. Liquete, licensed as a psychiatrist, is a graduate of the East Tennessee State University’s James H. Quillen College of Medicine in 2005. From the Philippines, Dr. Liquete is also a graduate of Saint Louis University College of Medicine in Baguio City, Philippines. She also received her bachelor’s degree from Saint Louis University in biology.

   She worked for the Diagnostic Center and the ACE Pain Management Services in Chattanooga. After graduating from the Quillen College of Medicine, she worked as a psychiatrist for Mountain State’s Health Alliance at Woodridge Hospital and Indian Path Pavilion.

CareSpark Goes ‘Live’ in Tri-Cities

  CareSpark, along with leaders from Frontier Health, Holston Medical Group, Mountain States Health Alliance, and Wellmont Health System, announced the CareSpark system is live and ready to receive data. Healthcare providers will be able to share electronic information regarding medications, lab and radiology results, and preventative services such as immunizations and screenings.

   Dr. John Dreyzehner, President of the Cumberland Plateau Health District and CareSpark Board Chairman, made the official announcement at a press conference held at the Tri-Cities Regional Airport.

   Other comments were made by Dr. Jerry Miller, President of Holston Medical Group; E. Douglas Varney, President and CEO of Frontier Health; Mike Snow, Interim CEO, Wellmont Health System; Dennis Vonderfecht, CEO, Mountain States Health Alliance; and Liesa Jenkins, Executive Director of CareSpark.

   CareSpark is a regional secure network that will allow healthcare providers to electronically communicate information regarding medication management, diagnostic services, preventive medicine and disease management, supported by technology, training, clinical process improvement, and incentives.

   A patient’s medical history will be accessible to healthcare providers involved in his or her continuum of care. To date there are 12 health care organi-zations that signed data sharing agreements with CareSpark.

   They are: C-Health, Cardiovascular Associates, Clinch River Health Service, Cumberland Plateau Health District, Frontier Health, Holston Medical Group, Mountain States Health Alliance, Southeastern Pain Management Center, Southwest Virginia Community Health System, Sullivan County Regional Health Department, United Healthcare, and Wellmont Health System.

Misunderstanding Can Prevent People from Seeking Help for Mental Illness  

By: Teresa Kidd, Ph.D.
Senior Vice President

of Tennessee Outpatient Services
All Rights Reserved

  One in four adults, or 57.7 million Americans, suffer from a diagnosable mental illness each year and one in 10 children has a serious mental, emotional or behavioral disorder, according to the National Institute of Mental Health.
   Although millions are affected, fewer than one-third receive any services. As with any illness, misunderstanding can prevent people from seeking help. Misunderstanding of mental illness, however leads to stigma, discrimination, fear, embarrassment, guilt, and even shame for those with a very treatable illness.
   Scientific research confirms that major mental illnesses are biologically based brain disorders, but many people believe the myths regarding the causes for mental illness and just don’t seek treatment.

  Major mental illnesses are NOT the result of personal weakness, lack of character, or poor upbringing. They are biologically based brain disorders.
   Mental illness is not a single illness; rather, there are different types of mental illnesses just as there are many different types of physical illnesses. They fall along a continuum of severity in terms of symptoms and their impact on an individual’s ability to function and deal with day-to-day life.

  Although generally mental illnesses affect people first during adolescence and young adulthood, all ages are susceptible.
   There are three major types of serious mental illness – Schizophrenia, Bipolar (or Manic Depressive) Disorder and Major Depressive Disorders. Anxiety disorders are fairly common (including Post Traumatic Stress Disorders and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder), with 18.1 percent of the population suffering at some time with some form of anxiety disorder.
   Schizophrenia affects 2.4 million Americans and is  characterized by a disturbance in thinking and a loss of reality. Bipolar Disorder and Major Depressive Disorders, types of affective disorders, are characterized by a disturbance of mood.

  Affective disorders are the most common form of mental illness. Bipolar Disorder causes extreme mood swings, with almost frantically reckless “highs” and devastating “lows.” About 2.6 percent of the population suffers from Bipolar Disorder.
   Major depression affects nearly 6.7 percent of adults. It’s easy to identify with “depression,” because sadness is a common emotion, but unlike normal sadness, someone with major depression experiences pervasive and persistent sadness, irritability, and marked changes in sleep and appetite.

  Individuals suffering from major depression may also lose interest in the hobbies and recreational activities they normally enjoy.
   People who are suffering from major depression may have difficulty thinking or concentrating, may experience significant feelings of guilt, hopelessness, emptiness and worthlessness.

  They may actually feel drained and have physical symptoms that don’t respond to medical care. They may also spend a lot of time thinking about death, and possibly even suicide.
   The good news is that mental illnesses are treatable. Seeking professional help early leads to greater recovery. Effective treatment can combine therapy, medication, and recovery-oriented principles to help reduce and manage symptoms, and promote recovery.
  It’s important to remember that treatment for mental illnesses are based on the disorder’s severity, and not everyone needs medication as a part of their recovery efforts. The impact of mental illness can be lessened by early identification and effective treatment, including a variety of mental health and support services that are tailored to each individual’s needs.

Tennessee Division of Developmental Disabilities is Four-Star Agency

 Frontier Health’s Tennessee Division of Developmental Disabilities services received a Four-Star Agency designation for 2008-‘09 by the Tennessee Division of Mental Retardation Services for the agency’s excellent performance regarding quality management of services and client support.
  The award recognizes Frontier Health’s role in helping people with developmental disabilities achieve healthy, secure, and meaningful lives. “The staff at Frontier Health should feel a much deserved sense of accomplishment,” said Deputy Commission Stephen H. Norris.
   Senior Vice President of Tennessee Developmental Disabilities and Vocational Rehabilitation Services Sharon Good said, “Our team has worked hard to provide the best quality service. We are proud to be known as a Four-Star Agency and we want our families and those we serve to know we truly care that much.”
   E. Douglas Varney, President and CEO of Frontier Health said the recognition reflects the quality Frontier Health’s clients receive in the Developmental Disabilities Division at Frontier Health, “The commitment of our staff ensures adults with development disabilities receive the supports they need to achieve their full potential and greatest level of independence.”
   The Tennessee Division of Mental Retardation Services established a comprehensive quality management system to measure the quality of services and supports provided by community-based providers.

  The foundation of the system is outcome-based quality assurance survey tools designed with the assistance for the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services. The system now has two complete years of survey results for day, residential, clinical, and support coordination agencies.
   Four-star agencies must receive 96 percent or greater overall compliance on Quality Assurance surveys for two consecutive years and a rating of Substantial Compliance in Safety and Security.
   More than 250 community-based providers statewide were reviewed through outcome-based quality assurance survey tools, trending data related to client contact, client complaint, and other quality-related data. Frontier Health is one of seven agencies in Tennessee to receive the Four-Star Agency designation.
 

East Tennessee Medical News: A Conversation with E. Douglas Varney

By CINDY SANDERS

   E. Douglas Varney, president and CEO of Frontier Health, knows Northeast Tennessee well. After all, other than a three-year stint with the U.S. Army's 82nd Airborne, he has called the region home his entire life.
    Born in Southwest Virginia, Varney moved to Kingsport before attending East Tennessee State University, where he received bachelor's and master's degrees in clinical psychology. He completed postgraduate work at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville.
    Varney said his roots provide an important insight into the culture of the 12 counties Frontier Health covers as the region's premier provider of behavioral health, substance abuse and developmental disability services. Part of that culture, he said, includes "taking care of our own."
    Recognizing the need in the early 1950s, community leaders laid the foundation for local mental health centers.

   "We're proud that this area was one of the first in the state and the country to create community mental health programs,"
Varney stated. "I know we're blessed. Talking to my colleagues in other areas, I know this is not always the case."
    Varney began his career as a psychological examiner and therapist with Holston Mental Health Center in 1975. He said that while he loved clinical work, it didn't take long to become frustrated with long waiting lists and to realize that working extended hours still couldn't meet all the needs.

   "I knew if we could expand services, we could help more people," he said. "I also understood we needed greater community support and advocacy."
    In 1978, Varney's interest in efficiency led him into management, where he immediately assumed a senior leadership role.

   Spurred by changes in federal entitlement and social service programs and the creation of TennCare, Varney initiated a merger between Central Appalachia Services, Watauga Mental Health Services and Nolachuckey-Holston Mental Health Services - three regionally strong mental health providers.
    Although Frontier Health was created from the merger in 1997, the community mental health centers and services represented by the not-for-profit organization go back half a century.

   "Multiple times during the first 40 years, our agencies had come together to address and solve regional needs," he said of the precursor organizations.

   "The key," he noted of the merger, "was to create a bridge to maintain community 'ownership' and ensure each group could continue its mission."
    By combining the agencies, Varney said Frontier Health was able to consolidate administrative costs and to strengthen the overall ability to provide high-quality, accessible care to address behavioral health, developmental disabilities and vocational services.
    In May of this year, Frontier Health celebrated 50 years of providing services in Southwest Virginia and Northeast Tennessee. Today, Frontier Health covers Carter, Greene, Hancock, Hawkins, Johnson, Sullivan, Unicoi and Washington counties in Tennessee; and Lee, Scott, Wise and Washington counties in Virginia.
    As president and CEO of Frontier Health, Varney oversees myriad residential, outpatient, outreach and prevention programs. Still, he said that he sees his primary role as "coach." He continues to live by advice he received during his very first interview with Holston Mental Health Center: "Be passionate about what you do and surround yourself with good people."
    As head coach and chief cheerleader, Varney strives to encourage and recognize excellence throughout his organization.
    The net result of the team effort is that thousands of regional residents face a brighter tomorrow.

East Tennessee Medical News had the opportunity to ask Varney a few questions.

ETMN: What unique challenges and opportunities exist in running a healthcare system devoted to behavioral health, substance abuse and developmental disabilities?
Varney: "With any healthcare agency, there are challenges, but the lack of health insurance parity for behavioral healthcare needs is a primary challenge. The inability to secure adequate reimbursement from insurers and payers is compounded by managed care companies' poor handling of behavioral healthcare.
    The administrative requirements imposed by managed care have actually increased costs and limited access to care. Also many clients do not have any means to pay for services. That presents a unique challenge for Frontier Health. In fiscal year 2006, we provided $23.3 million in subsidized care.  

   Most of the people who received services via subsidized care would not have had another option. Frontier Health, our board of directors and our staff are committed to helping everyone we can, regardless of their ability to pay."
What about the public perception of mental illness and treatment options?

   "Many people unfortunately think that mental illness is a chronic, long-term, unmanageable disease. The truth is with proper treatment and medication, people can live long, very productive lives. We've come a long way in the last 30 years.
Psychiatric rehabilitation and recovery programs have evolved into a whole new movement in the last three years.

   "It not only treats with medication and counseling but empowers people to manage their illness and helps them find jobs, housing and things to look forward to so they can integrate within the larger community. It helps to keep them from becoming isolated."
    Varney added that while the stigma associated with mental illness has greatly diminished since he began his clinical work in 1975, there is still a lot of misunderstanding about mental illness in our society, and people often delay seeking care.

   Such gaps can actually compound a patient's problems if they begin a downward spiral. Also, he noted, patients in pain sometimes try to self-medicate with drugs or alcohol, which further complicates treatment.

   "Like with any illness, treatment at the onset of the disease can mean a greater and much quicker recovery," he said.

   "Although we have made great strides in treatment, many people do not realize that mental health and addiction treatment actually work. I do believe there are signs that public perception is changing, but there is still much to do."

As a provider of specialty services, how does Frontier work with community hospitals or other health providers in the service region?

   "We work very closely with both local hospital systems: Mountain States Health Alliance and Wellmont Health Systems. We're especially proud of our management contract with Wellmont. We manage all behavioral health services for
Wellmont, including Wellmont Ridgeview, a 28-bed, acute-care psychiatric facility in Bristol, and Wellmont Bristol Regional Medical Center's medical psychiatric unit, Five East.

   "Our Crisis Response Team, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, is in every hospital emergency department daily, helping hospital staff triage and make dispensation for patients with mental health and substance abuse issues.

   "Some are pre-screened and sent to inpatient units. Others receive follow-up care at outpatient facilities. With the patient's permission, we collaborate with primary care physicians. We share the patient's treatment plan and enlist the PCP's input regarding client care. The integration of traditional physical health with behavioral health services is essential for good treatment outcomes."

   Varney added that Frontier Health is actively involved in community coalitions to address such societal issues as homelessness, underage drinking, substance abuse, tobacco use, eating disorders, suicide and emergency preparedness. In addition to working with community groups, Frontier Health also works closely with state agencies, school systems and law enforcement officials.

   "We are especially proud of our work with local court systems to develop diversion programs for people with mental illness so they receive legal services and access to treatment," Varney said.
What urgent healthcare needs exist in the communities you serve today, and how is Frontier Health reaching out to fill those needs?

   "One of the greatest challenges is one we've battled a number of years - the perception that physical health does not include mental health. The perception is so prevalent from telephone directories to the media. The solution is to integrate what we do in behavioral health with what is known as "traditional" healthcare.

   "We're very optimistic that our development of electronic health records will help us solidify all relationships among area healthcare systems and primary care physicians so we may, together, treat the 'whole person' to ensure total physical and mental well-being. We've known for at least 25 years that there is a huge interplay between the mind and body, but we haven't had a good strategy.

   "We developed our own electronic health records and have been a major contributor to the CareSpark RHIO (Regional Health Information Organization) in our area. We will interface with other providers as they come online."
    Varney added that a lot of mental health care actually occurs in primary care offices and/or in an emergency room in a crisis, so having an integrated system would allow providers to develop comprehensive treatment plans and would eliminate making a dispensation without the proper background. Varney said he sees the promise of technology resulting in a new level of outcomes.

   "Over the next 10 years, we're going to make a quantum leap again in behavioral health because of access to this information," he said.
What are you passionate about on the job?
"If you're going to succeed, you have to like what you do. I love my job. Regardless of my CEO role, I'm still a clinician, and it's exciting to hear about good outcomes and client success stories. It's why I love my job … we help people, and we're making a difference. I also like the fact that I can work in my community. I love the area, its people, history and culture. I grew up here."

Reprinted with permission

Musil Now Senior VP of Medical Services

  Frontier Health Psychiatrist C. Allen Musil Jr., M.D., was recently appointed Senior Vice President of Medical Services for the corporation.

   "We're pleased to make this announcement," said E. Douglas Varney, President and CEO of Frontier Health. "Dr. Musil is an outstanding physician and has the leadership and organizational skills necessary to help Frontier Health continue its mission and role as the region's premier provider of behavioral health, substance abuse, developmental disabilities, and vocational rehabilitation services."
    Dr. Musil is certified by the American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Adult Psychiatry, and is certified by the American Board of Pediatrics in general pediatrics. He was in private practice in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., and was an emergency room pediatrician at the Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital in Holywood, Fla.
    Dr. Musil graduated from the Quillen College of Medicine and completed his residency in the Chandler Medical Center Triple Boards Program at the University of Kentucky in General Pediatrics, Adult Psychiatry and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. He was a clinical assistant professor of psychiatry and pediatrics at East Tennessee State University.

   He has presented to regional judicial conferences, Pediatric Grand Rounds, Girls Inc. national meeting, Psychiatric Hospitals national meeting, on topics including inhalant use, psychopharmacology, bipolar, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, school violence, and depression.
    He is certified in Advanced Trauma Life Support, Advanced Cardiac Life Support, Pediatric Advanced Life Support, neonatal Advanced Life Support, and Advanced Burn Life Support. Dr. Musil is a member of the American Psychiatric Association, American Academy of Pediatrics-Fellow, Wilderness Medical Society, and the Christian Medical and Dental Society.

Frontier Health Celebrated 50 Years

   Celebrating more than 50 years of service in 2007, Frontier Health is the leading provider of mental health, substance abuse, and developmental disabilities services in Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia. As a not-for-profit 501(c) 3 organization, Frontier Health's leadership continues its community founders' earliest vision from 1951 to establish accessible and quality services within the region.

Community Mental Health Centers

   After the first community mental health centers opened in May 1957, the agencies that would become Frontier Health worked cooperatively throughout their fifty-year history to expand and provide quality services. Area Alcohol and Drug, Developmental Disabilities, Housing, and Vocational Rehabilitation Services embraced mergers with the founding mental health agencies to allay administrative costs and afford continued service to the region.

   The agencies collectively partnered with groups such as Head Start, Dawn of Hope, Contact Concern, cities, counties, housing authorities, and court systems, to provide services. The transition to Frontier Health came in 1997, when Central Appalachia Services, Nolachuckey-Holston Area Mental Health and Watauga Mental Health merged.

   The leadership of these agencies, and the then recent merger of Bristol Regional Mental Health with CAS, solidified their commitment and ability to help individuals in the now, 12-county region served.
The first two mental health centers opened in Johnson City and Kingsport in 1957. The first centers were Kingsport Mental Health and Washington County Mental Health in May 1957, and Bristol Mental Health followed in 1958.

A Brief Look Back
    Although it wasn't until 1963 that President John F. Kennedy stirred debate with an impassioned speech to Congress that led to research and federal dollars to more adequately address the needs of people with mental illness and mental retardation.
    Kennedy poignantly identified the problem, "Mental illness and mental retardation are among our most critical health problems. They occur more frequently, affect more people, require more prolonged treatment, cause more suffering by families of the afflicted, waste more of our human resources, and constitute more financial drain upon both the public treasury and the personal finances of the individual families than any other single condition."
    While Kennedy's plan led to the establishment of community mental health centers nationwide, the Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia region were already working toward that goal.

  The efforts of these pioneering agencies 50 years ago led to what is now Frontier Health, the region's largest provider of mental health, substance abuse, and mental retardation services.
    With community support that continues 50 years later, Frontier Health's more than 900 employees serve nearly 58,000 people each year.

   Current Frontier Health staff represent nearly 6,000 years of service working for this agency. The service area covers four Southwest Virginia counties and eight Northeast Tennessee counties.
    From small outpatient facilities in only three local cities in the late 1950s, Frontier Health has grown to 67 facilities and more than 85 programs in 12 counties in two states.

More Corporate News>>

Our Services