Two Decades of Hope, Healing, and Whole-Person Care in North Carolina
It’s hard to believe, but 20 years have flown by! As we celebrate the 20th anniversary of Catawba Valley Healthcare (CVH), we’re reflecting on the journey that brought us here and the bright future ahead. Since our founding, CVH has remained committed to providing compassionate, integrated brain health and primary care services for Catawba, Burke, and surrounding counties.
Over the past two decades, we’ve weathered major policy shifts, expanded services, and grown into a trusted safety-net provider, always guided by our mission: “Where Help and Hope Meet.”
From Behavioral Health to Whole-Person Care
The CVH story began in 1999 with the creation of The Mental Health Fund, Inc., an initiative to raise funds and expand services provided by Mental Health Services of Catawba County. In 2005, after state-mandated changes led to the privatization of behavioral health services, our organization officially became Catawba Valley Behavioral Healthcare (CVBH), starting with a team of 130 staff.
We’re here to support adults living with mental health needs and intellectual/developmental disabilities (IDD), whether they have insurance or not, including individuals navigating incarceration, homelessness, or reentry into the community.
Growing with the Catawba County Community
Our services grew to include:
- Psychiatric care and medication management
- Residential homes and day programs (Connections Clubhouse & Lifeskills)
- Assertive Community Treatment and Community Support Teams
- Jail diversion and reentry services
- LEAD (Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion)
- Mobile Crisis response
- And much more!
In 2011, we moved to renovated facilities in downtown Hickory, further embedding ourselves into the fabric of the local community. Thanks to strong community partnerships and innovative financial stewardship, we paid off both mortgages within 12 years.
Integrating Behavioral Health and Primary Care
Mental and physical health go hand in hand. Recognizing that individuals with mental health conditions often face barriers to basic medical care, CVH became one of the region’s leaders in integrated care.
With funding from the Duke Endowment and a Community Health Grant, we launched our primary care services, housed side-by-side with psychiatric providers. We recently expanded this model into Burke County by opening a new CVH-owned facility in Valdese.
Integrating Behavioral Health and Primary Care
Mental and physical health go hand in hand. Recognizing that individuals with mental health conditions often face barriers to basic medical care, CVH became one of the region’s leaders in integrated care.
With funding from the Duke Endowment and a Community Health Grant, we launched our primary care services, housed side-by-side with psychiatric providers. We recently expanded this model into Burke County by opening a new CVH-owned facility in Valdese.
Justice-Informed Healthcare: Diversion, Reentry & Support
As mental health and the justice system continue to grow, CVH is proud to be at the forefront of treatment-first alternatives:
- Jail-based assessments and substance use groups
- Pre-trial diversion and reentry case management
- Transitional housing for individuals returning from incarceration
- LEAD programs that redirect individuals toward care instead of jail
At CVH, we believe everyone deserves a chance at recovery, stability, and a meaningful life.
Leadership for the Future
CVH’s legacy of strong leadership began with former CEO John Waters, LCSW, who led the agency for 17 years. In 2022, Timothy Lentz, LCSW, stepped into the role with a clear vision for continued expansion and more profound community impact. He is joined by:
- Tiffany Randazza, LCAS – Chief Clinical Officer
- Jennifer Williams, MSW – Chief Operating Officer
Together, this team is charting CVH’s next chapter—one that builds on our foundation and embraces future challenges with innovation and heart.
Join Us in Celebrating 20 Years of Community Care
As we mark this incredible milestone, we are deeply grateful for our team, clients, and community partners who have made this journey possible.
Want to learn more or support our mission? Contact us or donate here to help us serve the next 20 years of community care!