More than $20M approved for mental health, substance abuse facility

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – The City of Bowling Green announced Friday, March 29 that funding has been approved at the state level for the Anchor Project, a plan meant to tackle mental health and substance abuse in our local community.

Last week, the city shared how officials at the state and local level joined together to request funding that would bring a new facility to the BRADD region.

In February, News 40 learned officials were requesting $23 million to fund the facility.

The project originates from more than a year of joint effort between mental health professionals, law enforcement, judges, state and federal leaders and local government representatives to find a solution for those facing mental health or substance abuse.

The proposed facility would be a primary location for first responders, allowing a person in crisis to receive immediate treatment.

This design would also bring detox services, case workers and more to help people of the community and encourage treatment over arrest.

Bowling Green mayor Todd Alcott provided the following statement in reaction to the news:

“I would like to take this moment to recognize the amazing effort from our local elected officials and community leaders throughout the Barren River Area Development District to come together to alleviate the mental health and substance abuse crisis plaguing our community. Last night the Kentucky General Assembly passed House Bill 1 which provides $20 million in the biennial budget to fund the Anchor Project. This will allow us to construct an intake center with a comprehensive evidence-based plan to includes the creation of a central mental health and substance abuse intake center, an office of drug control policy, and a life learning center model for our region.”

“Our goal is to create a best practice for the Commonwealth in addressing the mental health and substance abuse crisis plaguing our state, overcrowding our jails, and contributing to the growing cycle of homelessness.

“I want to thank our local delegation in the Kentucky General Assembly; Senators David Givens, Mike Wilson, and Max Wise, and Representatives Jason Petrie, Kevin Jackson, Robert Duvall, Michael Merideth, Shawn McPherson, and Steve Riley for their tireless effort and unwavering commitment to addressing this crisis.

“I would also like to extend a special thanks to Commissioner Sue Parrigin for organizing and leading the joint task force over the last 16 months, Joe Dan Beavers CEO of Lifeskills, Eric Sexton, Executive Director of BRADD, and countless others who were a part of this collaborative initiative.”

News 40 will continue to follow the latest updates and bring you more information.