The Anchor Project - Mental Health and Addiction Crisis Center

The Anchor Project is set to establish a new mental health and addiction resource center, which will serve as a vital drop-in facility for individuals in need of support. Staffed by LifeSkills, the center will provide a comprehensive range of services under one roof, modeled after a similar facility in Nashville. The facility’s unique feature will be its second story, dedicated entirely to addiction recovery services.

Located on Suwanee Trail Road, within walking distance of Fairview Medical Center and an incoming emergency room from Greenview Hospital, the center’s location has been chosen for its accessibility and proximity to critical healthcare services. Melanie Watts, Director of Community Engagement for LifeSkills, emphasized that the center will be a “hub for the whole person,” combining mental health, addiction recovery, and related services in one location.

The 30-member committee, which includes professionals from law enforcement, the judicial system, mental health, and addiction services, has worked tirelessly to bring this project to life. Sue Parrigin, committee leader and city commissioner, noted the collective effort of the community to address issues like mental health, substance abuse, and homelessness in a unified way. She also highlighted the center’s potential to serve as a model for other regions, with hopes for it to be replicated across Kentucky and beyond.

The center, which will serve the 10-county BRADD region, aims to provide comprehensive care for those in crisis. The committee will soon begin the construction bidding process and finalize plans for the center’s official opening. This facility will be the first of its kind in the region, offering integrated services for individuals facing mental health and addiction challenges.