Richmond, KY – Last week, Congressman Andy Barr visited Baptist Health Richmond to tour the Thrive Center at Baptist Health where he saw firsthand the incredible care available to patients in need of inpatient behavior health services. Rep. Barr secured $390,000 in funding from the Fiscal Year 2023 Community Project Funding process to expand outpatient Behavioral Health services to support the Thrive Center at Baptist Health.

“The limited access to mental and behavioral healthcare services continues to plague our country, but I am encouraged by the innovative healthcare providers fighting on the front lines to expand treatment. The Thrive Center at Baptist Health is providing services to help Kentuckians when they need it the most,” said Congressman Barr. “I was honored to support the request for federal funding and look forward to visiting the expanded outpatient service facility once it has been completed.”

“We are so grateful that Congressman Barr took the time to visit Baptist Health Richmond,” said Greg D. Gerard, President of Baptist Health Richmond. “During his visit we were able to share our efforts in addressing the mental health crisis in our community, including the opening of our adult inpatient service, the Thrive Center at Baptist Health. While we have a lot of work ahead of us in transforming the lives of those struggling with a mental health disorder, I am confident that Congressman Barr fully shares our commitment to do so. His genuine care and concern for the work we are doing was clearly evident during his visit and as the president of Baptist Health Richmond, I know we have a friend in Washington who is dedicated to helping all Kentuckians thrive.”

“Providing behavioral health services for the communities we serve continues to be a priority for our team,” said Lora King, RN, Executive Director of Specialty Services at Baptist Health Richmond. “It was an honor to have the opportunity to share our team’s commitment to coordinating care for our patients with Congressman Barr, while also discussing the barriers to treatment we see daily. We look forward to a continued partnership that will continue to increase the accessibility and resources for all who need behavioral health services.”

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