SERIES OF MEETINGS ABOUT MENTAL RETARDATION SERVICES

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – State officials are planning a series of meetings across Tennessee to let people know about the services available for individuals with mental retardation and their families. The state will soon be able to offer home or community-based services to more individuals. Over 3,500 people are now on a waiting list for services.

“We want to make sure that all Tennessee citizens who might be eligible know about the availability of services and how to apply for them,” said Stephen Norris, Deputy Commissioner of the Division of Mental Retardation Services (DMRS). “In addition, healthcare and social services workers or anyone who works in a community service capacity may someday need to know which services are available and how they can be accessed.”

DMRS offers community-based services for Tennesseans with mental retardation through contracts with community providers, including health services, service coordination, residential placement, day services and employment, behavior, family support, early intervention and physical and nutritional supports. Currently, 6,696 people are receiving home- or community-based services.

The public can learn details of these service areas and other information by attending one of seven local meetings:

• Nashville: October 18, West Minster Presbyterian Church, 111 N. Wilson Blvd., Nashville.


• Columbia: October 19, Columbia State Community College, Waymon L. Hickman Building Room 123, 1665 Hampshire Pike, Columbia.


• Memphis: October 20, Memphis City Schools Auditorium Room 214, 2597 Avery, Memphis
.

• Jackson: October 21, Jackson State Community College Ayers Auditorium, 2046 North Parkway, Jackson
.

• Chattanooga: October 27, Hamilton County Health Department, Golley Auditorium, 921 E. Third Street, Chattanooga.


• Tri-Cities: November 2, Frontier Industries, 2017 Stonebrook Place, Kingsport.


• Knoxville: November 3, Boys and Girls Club of Greater Knoxville, 220 Carrick Street Suite 318, Knoxville.

All meetings will be held from 7 p.m. until 9 p.m. local time

DMRS promotes community based services and supports for Tennesseans with mental retardation and their families. DMRS serves Tennesseans through regional offices located in each grand division of the state. To access services, individuals and families may contact their regional office as outlined on the state’s Web site at: http://www.tennessee.gov/mental/mrs/accessing.html. Or, Tennesseans can call the statewide hotline at 1-800-535-9725.