The Effort to Reform Behavioral Health in Georgia Advances
The Georgia Council for Recovery Is Working To Advance Peer Positive Policy
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday 21 February, 2023
Tucker, GA – The Georgia Council for Recovery congratulates the General Assembly for introducing HB 520. The Georgia Council for Recovery is committed to working with Governor Brian Kemp, Commissioner Kevin Tanner, and the leadership of the General Assembly to advance recovery-positive policy in Georgia.
“The Georgia Council for Recovery looks forward to working on HB 520 as we ensure that Georgia continues to advance recovery-friendly policy involving mental illness substance use disorders. It is important that the General Assembly continue to prioritize the needs of people seeking or in recovery in their process of transforming the way Georgia addresses Behavioral Health policy. The Georgia Council for Recovery looks forward to discussions to expand prevention, treatment and recovery supports capacity as this important process moves forward,” said Neil Campbell, Executive Director, Georgia Council for Recovery
“There is no issue under the Gold Dome more important than Behavioral Health. Peers and families impacted by these medical issues need and deserve policy and funding to professionally address the issue and save lives. The Georgia Council for Recovery thanks Governor Brian Kemp, Lt. Governor Burt Jones, Speaker Jon Burns, Commissioner Kevin Tanner and the bipartisan coalition of Members of the General Assembly who are working together to advance peer positive policy in Georgia,” said Jeff Breedlove,” Chief of Policy, Georgia Council for Recovery
“Georgia is experiencing a historic increase in the use and misuse of drugs and alcohol, including a record number of deaths by overdose. The Georgia Council for Recovery looks forward to supporting efforts to build an effective workforce to better serve our peers who need and deserve better access to all services and supports. We anticipate that moving forward, there will be future legislation to address the lack of capacity for all behavioral health services, which is why building and sustaining a well-trained workforce is essential and will be addressed in HB 520 in 2023,” said Campbell.
“The Georgia Council for Recovery is thankful Governor Kemp and our leaders in the General Assembly are committed to a multi-year and multi-legislation approach to address Behavioral Health reform. As we build the appropriate and necessary infrastructure with HB 520 it will set the stage for bold and transformational policy surrounding addiction recovery and mental health as this historic effort advances in 2024,” said Breedlove.
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For Additional Information
Jeff Breedlove
Chief of Policy and Communication
404-615-5735
#GARecovers
