State & Local Government Policy, Business and Technology

Georgia gov’s panel sets stage for more cash targeting opioid abuse

Politically Georgia: A report released Tuesday by a commission created by Gov. Nathan Deal is likely to create a framework for funding and legislative proposals that would expand mental health services and target opioid abuse in Georgia.

The Commission on Children’s Mental Health’s report recommended an expansion of a state program for school-based mental health counseling, new education initiatives for youth and young adults with severe mental illness and better telemedicine infrastructure to help children with mental illnesses.

The findings also called for more funds to expand the state’s suicide prevention strategy, including adding more hours to the Georgia Crisis hotline, and new approaches to help teens and young adults battling opioid addiction.

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