2022 Georgia Mental Health Legislation

2022 Georgia Mental Health Legislation

Did you know that Georgia ranks LAST in the United States in terms of access to mental health care? This is according to a published report (pg 13) from Mental Health America

Leading into the 2022 Georgia Legislative session, a bill has been drafted by a large study committee that aims to change several facets of mental health care in Georgia for the better.  According to an article in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution,“The expansive legislation could, among other things, attack chronic staffing shortages in the mental health field; compel insurance companies to provide comparable coverage for mental health as they do physical; and create a system of involuntary outpatient treatment for people who struggle to care for themselves.” 

The next Georgia Legislative session begins on January 11, 2022. In keeping with both our Mental Health and Civic Engagement initiatives, we are keeping the community informed about this potential policy that could impact access to mental health services. 

What can YOU do? 

  • Contact your state level representatives and encourage them to take mental health care seriously. The need for mental health care advocacy is great and the time is NOW! Click here to find information for Georgia Senators and click here to find information for Georgia Representatives
  • Subscribe to your representatives’ newsletters. Many representatives have a weekly newsletter to keep their constituents informed. 
  • Follow your representatives’ social media outlets. 

Additionally, we invite everyone to our upcoming Resilient Cobb Summit which will take place on February 1, 2022 at the Cobb County Chamber of Commerce. This half-day symposium focuses on our trauma-informed work in Cobb and emphasizes the importance of this work in building thriving communities. We will share information about Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and why intervention is critical.

Come join us to learn, share best practices, and help to build a more resilient Cobb community.

Highlights of the program:

  • Dr. Emily Anne Vall, Executive Director of Resilient Georgia who will deliver opening remarks.
  • Panel Presentation – Local educators discuss trauma-informed work at the classroom, campus and system levels.
  • Overview of Community Resilience Model
  • Updates from Cobb County Juvenile Court leaders

Click here for registration.

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