Forum to Address Updates of Georgia Dept. of Behavioral Health’s Priorities, Georgia’s Implementation of Mental Health Parity Act, and Mental Health Programs for Children
ATLANTA (May 15, 2023) — The Carter Center will convene its 27th Rosalynn Carter Georgia Mental Health Forum on May 18, 2023. This free in-person and virtual event explores pressing mental health issues in Georgia and the rest of the country. (See below for agenda and how to participate in person or online.)
“Following the historic passage of the Mental Health Parity Act needed to improve adults’ and children’s access to mental health services in Georgia, we’re excited to provide an update on the status of implementation and next steps needed by a variety of Georgia stakeholders,” said Eve Byrd, Carter Center Mental Health Program director. “We are particularly focused on the dire need for prevention, early intervention and the services needed by children. Our children and families are in crisis.”
Expert panelists will discuss the status of the implementation of Georgia House Bill 1013 (HB1013), “The Mental Health Parity Act” Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp signed into law on April 4, 2022. Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities Commissioner Kevin Tanner will provide an update on the state’s priorities to expand access to behavioral health services throughout the state.
In Georgia, suicide is the third-leading cause of death among youth ages 10-17, and in 2020, 45% of Georgia’s children aged 3-17 had difficulty accessing or were unable to access needed mental/behavioral health treatment and counseling. However, Georgia does not have a statewide behavioral health primary prevention plan for its youth. A panel will address the importance of a statewide prevention plan for children and adolescents and the initial steps being taken to create that plan.
Another panel of Georgia’s behavioral health advocacy organizations will present the 2024 mental health policy priorities and how the public can become engaged. It will be moderated by WABE Radio host and reporter Rose Scott.
The Rosalynn Carter Georgia Mental Health Forum, established in 1995, is held each May to address timely mental health policy issues facing the state. Consumers, service providers, policymakers, advocates, and media from across Georgia are invited to participate in open discussions on diverse, pressing topics.
How to View and Participate in the May 18 Georgia Mental Health Forum:
More about the Center’s Mental Health Program is here, and a timeline of Rosalynn Carter’s 50 years of mental health advocacy is here.
Note: During May, Mental Health Awareness Month, the Center has partnered with the makers of , a documentary film about the daily activities and challenges faced by election workers, to provide for election workers on May 18, Mental Health Action Day. Election workers who sign up to view will receive “A Well-being Resource Guide for Election Officials,” produced by the Carter Center's Democracy and Mental Health Programs. On Wednesday, May 31, The Carter Center will co-host a webinar with No Time to Fail film producers and partners. Information on timing and registration will be available soon on cartercenter.org.
Media: Media wishing to attend the Rosalynn Carter Georgia Mental Health Forum must RSVP to Rennie Sloan at rennie.sloan@cartercenter.org.
Resources: If you or someone you know may be considering suicide or is in crisis, call or text 988 for assistance in accessing support and services.
Contact: In Atlanta, Rennie Sloan, rennie.sloan@cartercenter.org
Agenda is here.
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The Carter Center
Waging Peace, Fighting Disease, Building Hope
A not-for-profit, nongovernmental organization, The Carter Center has helped to improve life for people in over 80 countries by resolving conflicts; advancing democracy, human rights, and economic opportunity; preventing diseases; and improving mental health care. The Carter Center was founded in 1982 by former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and former First Lady Rosalynn Carter, in partnership with Emory University, to advance peace and health worldwide. Visit our website | Follow us on Twitter | Follow us on Instagram | Like us on Facebook | Watch us on YouTube
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