Mental health services could be broadened in county
By Carla Gwaltney Owens

Ms. Shelly Lackey from Smokey Mountain Mental Health addressed the Clay County Commission last week,thanking Commissioner Paul Jordan for his many yearsof service to the mental health community through his service on the Smokey Mountain Board of Directors. "We will miss you very much," she commented. "Paul has been a great supporter of mental health reform and has always supported us and people with disabilities."

"Paul cares very much for the people and families of this community," she added of the long-time public servant who chose not to run for re-election as Clay County Commissioner.

In her report to the commissioners, Lackey said that Smokey Mountain Mental Health is continually working to recruit mental health providers to rural Western North Carolina and Clay County. She added that many individuals who must receive crisis services, emergency service or involuntary commitment must still travel outside the county to receive care, but that SMMH is always striving to increase the care available to WNC residents so they do not have to travel such great distances to receive the help they need.

One new option to Clay County residents, shecommented, is an office in Hayesville opened by Appalachian Counseling who's main office is located in Murphy.

When questioned by commissioners concerning what days the center is opened and the hours of operation, Lackey said she did not know but that she would find out for commissioners so that they could make the public aware of the services available locally. County Manager Paul Leek said that

this has been one area where the county is in need of help to make sure local residents have mental health care available. Leek said the services that are needed local are not just counseling for psychiatric purposes, but also counseling for substance abuse and family and domestic issues. He added thatresidents have to travel out of the county to receive most of these services now, many to Cherokee County and some as far as the Balsam Center.

Lackey informed commissioners of $150,000 in additional funding that SMMH has received from the state legislature to help increase mental health care in the rural parts of the state. Lackey said a future hope is to have

service provided through Murphy Medical Center for residents of Clay and Cherokee County so patients would not have to make a trip all the way to the Balsam Center to receive evaluation.

Commissioners asked Lackey to help nail down the specifics concerning the services provided in Clay County by Appalachian Counseling from Murphy.

"Can you check with them to see when it is going to be opened at the Clay Center, and find out what services they provide and the hours?" they asked.

Lackey responded, saying she would work with the provider on advertising the Clay County location.

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