The Albemarle-based, non-profit group Monarch is taking over operation and management of a variety of mental health services in and around Richmond County from the Mental Health Association of North Carolina. That includes a six-bed group home and two 10-bed apartment complexes in Richmond County.

The group is also taking over Richmond County’s Psychosocial Rehabilitation (PSR) program. That includes Wiregrass Apartments in Hamlet, The Clubhouse in Rockingham and Richmond PSR.

Monarch CEO Peggy Terhune said the changes are related to the state’s budget cuts.

“These cuts put our most vulnerable citizens at risk of losing all or some of their support by the mental health developmental disability substance abuse system,” Terhune said. “In this case, the individuals at risk of losing services will not experience any lapse in service as a result of Sandhill Local Management Entity’s responsive action and (the) determination of providers.”

In September, then-Sandhills CEO Michael Watson told the Daily Journal the state budget contained a $1.6 million cut for his agency, and included the phasing out of publicly-funded group homes for children.

“This is going to be one of the biggest hits, losing funding for group homes,” Richmond County Commission Vice Chairman and Sandhills Center’s Board of Directors official Thad Ussery said at that time.

Sandhills spokesman Sid Linton characterized the move as in line with state efforts to reform the system and said this type of transition is something Sandhills Center has dealt with in the past.

Monarch is one of two providers chosen to assume operations previously handled by the MHA, and will take over operations in Richmond, Anson, Harnett and Lee counties.

Therapeutic Alternatives will take over operations in Hoke, Moore, Montgomery and Randolph counties.

Newly-appointed Monarch Program Director Tara Alley is the former Eastern Regional Pshychosocial Rehabilitation Coordinator for Mental Health Association of North Carolina.

“We are pleased with the selection of Monarch by Sandhills LME to operate the programs that provide vital support and services to individuals in our communities,” Alley said. “We look forward to providing quality services to individuals experiencing mental illness and/or substance abuse.”

Staff Writer Philip D. Brown can be reached at (910) 997-3111 ext. 32, or by e-mail at pbrown@yourdailyjournal.com.