May is Mental Health Awareness Month. TACH will be recognizing our Behavioral Health Team throughout the month. Our first provider is Emily Blalock, M.S.N., PMHNP-BC. Emily is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, specializing in behavioral health management, for ages 8 and up at all Tri-Area sites. In obtaining a Master of Science in Nursing at East Tennessee State University, she focused her studies in mental health on illnesses, treatment, support, and prevention. She brings professional expertise as well as personal experiences throughout her nursing career in caring for her patients today. Her passionate goal is to empower patients through a mutually shared decision-making process in a safe space. Current professional involvement includes membership with American Psychiatric Nurses Association, American Nurses Association, and Virginia Nurses Association. Born and raised in the Appalachian Highlands, she still considers it home to this day. Emily appreciates the natural beauty of the land and the unique culture of the community and people. In her free time, she likes hiking, kayaking, photography, music, and spending time with loved ones. We are grateful for a grant from the Virginia Health Care Foundation that helps pay for some of Emily's salary.