The Shadow
HOT SPRINGS, Va. (VR) – Bath Community Hospital is excited to announce that it has been awarded a $75,500 grant from the Virginia Health Care Foundation (VHCF) to enhance its Behavioral Health Team. This funding will support the transition of a recently hired Licensed Professional Counselor to full-time status, allowing better service for the community’s mental health needs.
Prior to the establishment of the Behavioral Health Department at Bath Community Hospital in 2016, there was no full-time behavioral health program available in Bath County. Since then, under the leadership of Pari Baker, LCSW, the program has expanded significantly and now includes four full-time behavioral health providers. We proudly serve multiple locations, including our hospital in Hot Springs and clinics in Millboro and Covington. Offering both in person and telehealth appointment options ensures that factors such as transportation issues, inclement weather, and childcare dilemmas do not negatively impact the provision of services, thereby removing barriers for our clients whenever possible. The team covers a broad spectrum of diagnoses and is equipped to see clients of all ages, providing services for both adults and children, as well as marriage and family therapy.
The grant cycle will run from January 1, 2025, through December 31, 2025. We are pleased to announce that Licensed Professional Counselor Eric Gutierrez, M.A., L.P.C., will begin his full-
time role on February 1. His extensive experience and qualifications will make him an invaluable asset to both the hospital and the community.
Eric began his counseling career in 2012 with Total Life Counseling, Inc., in Roanoke, Virginia, and joined Bath Community Physicians Group (BCPG) in September 2024. He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biblical Studies and a Master of Arts in Professional Counseling from Liberty University. His dedication to helping others is further exemplified by his experience as an Associate Pastor and his work with children facing emotional disorders.
“We are thrilled that Eric can join our team full-time as a dedicated health professional,” said Bath Community Hospital CEO Jeff Lingerfelt. “We sincerely appreciate the Virginia Health Care Foundation for awarding this grant, which is vital as we address the growing demand for behavioral health services in our rural communities. We look forward to an ongoing partnership with VHCF to provide essential care in our service area.”
Virginia is currently experiencing a shortage of many types of health providers, particularly behavioral health professionals. In response, VHCF is committing substantial resources and adopting a multi-faceted approach to increase the availability of these essential services.
As part of the grant agreement, Bath Community Hospital participated in a virtual Grantee Orientation Session on January 7, 2025, to clarify roles and responsibilities and familiarize themselves with VHCF reporting requirements.
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to everyone involved in this successful grant application. The support from VHCF will significantly enhance the ability to address the behavioral health challenges in the community.
For more information or to schedule an appointment with Eric Gutierrez, please contact Bath Community Physicians Group at (866) 839-7100, Option #2, or visit us online at bathhospital.org.
About Bath Community Hospital
Bath Community Hospital is an independent not-for-profit healthcare organization dedicated to serving our communities. As a Critical Access Hospital, we are committed to providing high quality healthcare to the residents of Bath County and surrounding areas. Our mission is to
deliver compassionate, patient-centered care while fostering a healthy community. Bath Community Physicians Group has four locations in Covington, Hot Springs, and Millboro, Virginia. For more information, please contact Bath Community Physicians Group at (866) 839- 7100, Option #2, or visit us online at www.bathhospital.org.
About the Virginia Health Care Foundation
The Virginia Health Care Foundation (VHCF) is a non-profit public/private partnership whose mission is to help uninsured Virginians and those living in underserved communities obtain medical, dental, and mental health care. Established by the General Assembly and its Joint Commission on Health Care in 1992, VHCF continues to work towards improving health care access across the state. For more information about VHCF and its programs, visit www.vhcf.org or call (804) 828-5804.
