Frontier Health kicks off Mental Health Awareness month with ‘Phone Calls of Positivity’

GRAY, Tenn. (WJHL) — May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and officials from Frontier Health are hoping a “Phone Call of Positivity” will improve mental health in the region.

Their “POP” campaign encourages those who need an encouraging message to call 423-656-0720 and listen to one, or all nine, pre-recorded messages.

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Dianne Bowen, Frontier Health’s senior vice president of operations, said she hopes the messages will make a difference for anyone suffering from their mental health, or even those who aren’t.

“Even if you’re not suffering with a mental health condition, a positive statement can brighten your day,” Bowen said. “Some don’t have a lot of support or someone that can give that support so it can really make a difference in someone’s day.”

Bowen said each year, around 65,000 people in Frontier Health’s coverage area utilize their mental health services in one way or another. That includes 12 counties in Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia. She added that the number has grown since the pandemic began a few years back.

Bowen said Frontier Health plans on keeping the phone service active even after Mental Health Awareness month ends and will update the messages periodically.

Bowen said some people may need more than a pre-recorded message.

“Each message is a unique message that is an uplifting or inspirational statement. It’s for those that might be having a hard day or for those that might need a little more support.”

Those needing additional support can be re-directed to the Crisis Hotline where help is available for those experiencing an immediate need. The direct number to the crisis hotline is 9-8-8.

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