SERVE

By Angela C. Thomas

Since 1948, the McNabb Center has been the premier provider of behavioral health services in East Tennessee. Over the past 75 years, many changes and achievements have denoted this remarkable milestone. And while change is good for advancement and progress, a consistent presence provides sustainability for the long term. One such constant presence that helped bring McNabb into its 75th year is the continuous hiring of UTCSW alumni.

As the new CEO, Mona Blanton-Kitts knows full well the impact that UTCSW alumni bring to the table. Having graduated with her MSSW in 1992, Blanton-Kitts celebrated more than 35 years with the McNabb Center before becoming CEO. She began her career on the front lines of behavioral health care as a case manager for adults. Over the course of her career, she has overseen an expansive array of services and clinics across 29 East Tennessee counties, many times working alongside other UTCSW alums. “The partnership between the McNabb Center and The UT College of Social

Work is one that I will never take for granted,” Blanton-Kitts said. “Because many of us came through the same program, we share similar core values surrounding our work. Social work is hands on, and it makes a difference. The program at UT taught us how to engage and work with people. It provided a level of professionalism that allowed us to transition smoothly into work after graduation.”

By focusing on an individual’s “Well Mind, Well Being,” The McNabb Center provides a quality and compassionate approach to care from infancy through adulthood and has proudly served individuals with the most needs and fewest resources. Today, the McNabb Center delivers support to more than 36,750 people throughout East Tennessee each year. This is a significant number of people served, many of whom would not otherwise receive the help they need, and many of whom are receiving hands-on help by UT alums.

“The people at the McNabb Center have a heart for social work, and it’s the duty of a social worker to give back,” Blanton-Kitts shared. “The McNabb Center gives UTCSW students the opportunity to gain experience outside the classroom. We provide placement and supervision in the field which benefits both the college and the center. The result of this experiential education is well-rounded students who are ready to move into jobs when they graduate. We also work closely with the research department on grants, and McNabb staff are often guest lecturers in the classroom. The McNabb Center helped endow the Earl Medley Scholarship ensuring support for future social workers and investing in the future of our field.”

Blanton-Kitts notes that the UT College of Social Work is a special place that is a notch above the rest. “You cannot find this level of education just anywhere,” she explained.

“UTCSW taught us the ethical standards that we have infused throughout the center, and our policy and procedures are written from a social work perspective. We are proud to be social workers, and the education we received at UTCSW both inside and outside the classroom encouraged our love for community mental health.”

The McNabb Center has grown exponentially over the last 75 years, increasing in both size and scope. They have increased services and built a large continuum of care as they fill gaps seen within the community. “As we look ahead to our next 25 years of service, which will bring us to the century mark, we plan to continue doing what we do best, which is serving others,” Blanton-Kitts stated. “With UTCSW as our partner, I trust we will continue to get better with age. I strongly believe that the experiential piece of the BSSW and MSSW programs sets the college apart and prepares students to enter the workforce in the best way. There is a seamless transition. When we hire alumni from UTCSW, we know they have both quality education and experience. We want the best for our community and will continue to provide the best care to the most vulnerable populations. It is what we do best.”