07-02-2025
RiverValley, Neblett Center partner to receive $50K grant
RiverValley Behavioral Health (RVBH), in partnership with the H.L. Neblett Community Center, has received a $50,000 grant from the Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky to support the expansion of peer support, prevention and mental health services.
'We really wanted to extend our reach into the community, and we had not done a whole lot of partnerships with the Neblett Center, so I think we were trying to increase our significance in servicing our local community center,' said Dr. Lionel Phelps, RVBH's vice president of population health. 'That's really kind of how it came about. We weren't specifically targeting anyone, but the Neblett Center was kind of who we thought would be perfect to provide more mental health resources and public education. We've been trying to do more.'
The partnership will enable RVBH to place a peer support specialist at the Neblett Center, enhancing access to mental health services in the Northwest Neighborhood. The initiative seeks to ensure vital support reaches those who need it most by improving access to mental health care for underserved populations.
'We are excited to share this wonderful news and to collaborate with the H.L. Neblett Center, a trusted and vital community partner, to expand access to mental health services,' said Dr. Wanda Figueroa-Peralta, RVBH's president and CEO. 'This grant will play a key role in reducing health disparities and fostering healthier communities.
'Rather than focusing solely on treating illness, we are also focusing on prevention, early intervention and health promotion to improve long-term health outcomes.'
A peer support specialist is a person with a lived experience either in mental health or substance use who is in recovery. Phelps said they are 'very effective' in helping others.
'They go through a week-long training course and certification process,' Phelps said. 'They're very effective reaching individuals by sharing their story of recovery, similar circumstances and increased empathy through having a shared experience.'
Phelps said the grant represents a powerful step forward in RVBH's efforts to build bridges of support within the Owensboro community and to establish population health principles.
'This collaboration underscores our shared commitment to fostering trust, breaking down barriers to care and ensuring that individuals and families feel seen, heard and supported in their mental health journeys,' he said. 'Population health encourages collaboration across healthcare systems, public health agencies, social services and community organizations to provide holistic and patient-centered care.
'This is a step in that direction in order to maximize impact and healthy outcomes for youth and families.'
The H.L. Neblett Center offers a variety of services, including recreational programs, after-school enrichment and mature adult programs. It's also the home of Western Academy, an academic program designed for African American and biracial male youth in grades 3 through 12.
Maritza Meeks, executive director of the Neblett Center, said it's honored to partner with RVBH in offering targeted workshops for the Owensboro community.
'The $50,000 Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky grant plays a critical role in advancing our mental health and substance use prevention efforts,' she said. 'With this support, we can expand existing programs and introduce new initiatives focused on educating the community, increasing access to vital mental health services and assisting individuals impacted by substance use. This funding will also enable us to offer staff training, facilitate workshops and enhance our outreach efforts.
'Above all, it has strengthened our partnerships with local organizations, creating a robust support network that contributes to the overall health and well-being of the community.'
The first workshop will be held from 5:30-7 p.m. Feb. 19 at the Neblett Center. The focus will be on self-care strategies for emotional resilience. It's free and open to the public.
The Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky is committed to improving the health of Kentuckians through strategic investments in programs that focus on addressing health disparities, improving access to care and promoting healthier lifestyles. More information about the foundation's initiatives can be found at
