Frontier Times - Frontier Health

April, 2025

Marketing Team Expands with New Talent and Fresh Focus

We’re excited to announce the continued growth of Frontier Health’s Marketing Department with the addition of two new team members who bring creativity, energy, and new areas of focus to our communications efforts.

Please join us in welcoming Mokina and Sarah to their new roles!

Mokina Alimova has joined the team as our new Graphic Designer. Mokina will take the lead on all business card and rack card requests and will also lend her design expertise to a variety of marketing and social media projects across the organization. Her creativity and fresh perspective will help us continue to deliver high-quality, engaging materials that reflect our mission and values.

Sarah Wicker is now splitting her time between Human Resources and the Marketing Department. In her new part-time marketing role, Sarah will focus on job recruitment efforts. She will manage social media posts for open positions and represent Frontier Health at local career fairs, helping us attract top talent across our region.

Kid Power Event Brings Fun and Mental Health Awareness to Kingsport

Frontier Health was proud to be part of this year’s Kid Power event, held Friday, April 26 at the Kingsport Civic Auditorium. With more than 30 participating organizations and a strong community turnout, the event was a powerful celebration of children, youth, and families across the Tri-Cities region.

Kid Power is held annually in anticipation of Mental Health Awareness Month and is designed to promote mental wellness by connecting families to local resources and support. This year’s event offered a lively mix of fun and education—including music, food, a scavenger hunt, and activities for all ages.

Frontier Health was proud to join a wide range of community partners—including TN Voices, ETSU Health, the Tennessee Department of Substance Abuse Services, and others—to help create a day filled with learning, laughter, and lasting impact.

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Spreading Positivity—One Rock at a Time at Hawkins County Mental Health

At Hawkins County Mental Health, we’re finding simple and creative ways to spread positivity—and it all started with a single rock.

Thanks to the creativity and heart of Kristin Tackett, one of our in-home case managers, our office is now home to a vibrant new rock garden designed to inspire and uplift. Kristin handcrafted the cheerful welcome sign and, with help from her family, painted the first set of colorful, encouraging rocks that launched the project.

What began as a small gesture has grown into something much more meaningful. Staff and clients are now joining in, painting their own rocks with positive messages and designs as part of ongoing art therapy and wellness activities. It’s become a fun, low-pressure outlet for self-expression, connection, and healing.

Each rock tells a unique story—and together, they’re creating a beautiful symbol of hope, creativity, and community just outside our doors.

If you’re in the area, we invite you to visit the garden. You may discover a message that brightens your day—or feel inspired to add your own.

Crisis Triage Recognized for 20 Years of Service

Frontier Health’s Crisis Triage team was recently honored with a plaque from the International Council for Helplines, recognizing an incredible milestone—20 years of continuous service.

This recognition reflects two decades of dedicated support, compassion, and commitment to those in crisis across our region. The Crisis Triage team plays a vital role in our behavioral health system, offering immediate help and hope to individuals when they need it most.

We’re proud of this team and grateful for the important work they do every single day. Congratulations on this well-deserved honor!

Peer Recovery Specialists Represent Frontier Health at Region 3 Conference

Several of Frontier Health’s Peer Recovery Specialists from Virginia recently attended the Region 3 Peer Conference, held April 7–8, 2025, at the historic Hotel Roanoke in Roanoke, VA.

The event brought together peers and supervisors from across the region for two days of networking, professional development, and team building. Programs represented included Project Link, Crisis Peer Services, Outpatient Peer Services, and Recovery Resources, a valued partner of Frontier Health.

A special highlight of the event was Frontier Health’s Peer Supervisor, Karrie Mullins-Potter, who served as the emcee of the conference. Her leadership helped create a welcoming and inspiring environment for all in attendance.

The conference was a wonderful success and a testament to the growing strength and collaboration within the peer recovery community.

Front Row from left to right: Ashley Selfe, Stephanie Runion, Heather Crouse, Melissa Smith, Robin Collins, Hannah Brockman, Karrie Mullins-Potter and Joe Hicks.

Back row from left to right: Erin Hagan, Cheri Barekman, Alex Hamm, Gary Baumgardner, Michael Owen

Celebrating Connection: “You Are Not Alone” Event Brings Music, Positivity, and Student Voices to the Stage

The Frontier Health Foundation brought a powerful message of hope, kindness, and community to life with the You Are Not Alone event at the ETSU Martin Center on April 7, 2025. The event, headlined by high-energy Celtic-American band Scythian, was the culmination of the Foundation’s first-ever You Are Not Alone Challenge—a social media campaign aimed at promoting anti-bullying, kindness, and inclusiveness among youth.

Students from high schools and colleges across the region were invited to submit 90-second videos showcasing their creativity and personal perspectives on mental wellness, community, and connection. Submissions poured in with stories told through art, music, and spoken word, each one echoing a simple but powerful truth: we are never alone.

The evening was not only a celebration of these courageous voices but also a showcase of community unity. Finalists were honored on stage during the concert, with winning students receiving support for their organizations, charities, or causes of choice. The event served as both a reward for their advocacy and a platform to amplify their messages.

With more than 300 attendees and a spirited performance from Scythian that brought the crowd to its feet, the You Are Not Alone event proved that when we come together—with creativity, compassion, and courage—we can build a community where no one has to feel alone.

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HOPE for TN Team Joins ETSU Sexual Awareness Fair

On Thursday, May 1, members of the HOPE for TN team represented Frontier Health at the annual ETSU Sexual Awareness Fair, an important event aimed at educating college students and faculty about resources available to address sexual health, safety, and support.

The fair provided a platform for organizations to share information on programs and services that assist individuals with sexual health issues and concerns. HOPE for TN was proud to be part of the event, offering guidance and support to those seeking help or looking to learn more.

Pictured left to right: Megan Suggs and Allison Unold, who did a fantastic job representing Frontier Health’s ongoing commitment to community outreach and education.

Holston C&Y Celebrates Administrative Professionals Day

Holston Children & Youth recently celebrated Administrative Professionals Day by recognizing the hard work and dedication of their Client Services Representatives (CSRs) with thoughtful gifts and a sweet surprise.

Each CSR received a plant, a box of chocolates, and a slice of cake as a small token of appreciation for the big role they play in keeping things running smoothly every day.

Pictured (left to right):Steven Skeens, Dominique Pressley, Lauren Bare
and Alexis Butte
Sitting: Reanna Rasnake and Ashley Tallman

Frontier Health Recognized as a Silver-Level Trauma-Informed Workplace

We’re proud to announce that Frontier Health has been officially recognized as a Silver-Level Trauma-Informed Workplace by Better Workplaces Tennessee!

This prestigious recognition marks a significant milestone in our journey toward building a healthier, more supportive work environment. It reflects our deep commitment to cultivating a culture of safety, trust, inclusion, and empowerment for every team member.

Becoming a trauma-informed workplace is more than just earning a title—it’s about shifting the way we work together, support one another, and promote overall well-being. Thanks to the dedication of our staff, we’ve already seen the positive impact of this initiative across our organization.

And this is just the beginning—we look forward to continuing this important work and building an even stronger, more resilient Frontier Health community.

WCBH Supports Child Abuse Awareness Event in Norton

Recently, the Wise County Behavioral Health (WCBH) team was invited to participate in the Child Abuse Awareness Event at the City Center in Norton. During the event, our team had the opportunity to engage with many families and individuals, sharing information about the vital services we provide. It was an inspiring day, filled with meaningful conversations, and we were grateful to connect with so many members of the community.

We are proud to have been part of such an important event and wanted to share this moment with you. Below is a photo from the day.

Celebrating Dedication: Frontier Health Hosts Service Awards Breakfast

Frontier Health recently held its Service Awards Ceremony at our corporate office, honoring the outstanding commitment and dedication of team members who reached important years-of-service milestones.

The morning celebration featured a hearty breakfast, heartfelt appreciation, and the presentation of service awards to recognize employees for their continued contributions to the mission of Frontier Health.

These milestones represent more than just time—they reflect years of compassion, expertise, and tireless work to support our communities. We are incredibly grateful for each of our team members and the vital roles they play every day.

Congratulations to all our honorees—and thank you for being the heart of Frontier Health!

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