Georgia ranks last for mental health access, and while mental health stigma may be somewhat defused, it is often difficult for people to find a therapist. Add in the need for a culture-sensitive therapist, and many people have nowhere else to turn.NAMI, National Alliance on Mental Illnessis the state’s largest mental health advocacy group. Their efforts last year resulted in the passage of the Mental Health Equality Act. This new law is the first in Georgia to All health insurance plans must cover mental health conditions equivalent to physical health conditionsso patients are no longer denied medically necessary treatment. This was a big achievement. Miriam Goodfriend, who leads advocacy at NAMI-Georgia, joins us to discuss the upcoming Mental Health Her Day at the Capitol. This event she will be held on January 31st at 11am. Citizens should speak to their MPs every day about their need for more mental health support.
Ask Miriam Goodfriend to share information about her organization and its goals. She speaks about education and advocacy programs for her family and organizations. Georgia has 20 of her NAMI affiliates providing basic services from education to helplines.
Goodfriend explains that Mental Health Day on the Capitol is for organizations and individuals to come together and talk to lawmakers about the need for more support with mental health services. There is power in numbers. The more citizens who participate, the more seriously the legislators will take on the challenge. She shares that this is how the 2022 Mental Health Equality Act was passed.
There is a national shortage of mental health professionals. Goodfriend talks about the challenge. Georgia is tackling some of this problem by increasing salaries for mental health professionals.
Goodfriend also talks about the new mental health hotline #988, which is now in effect nationwide. She advises people to go to the emergency room in case of a mental health emergency.For a warm helpline that offers assistance in finding a therapist or program, the NAMI Helpline is at her 770 -234-0855.
register and join Mental Health Day at the Capitol
when: January 31, 11:00 a.m.
Where: Georgia State Capitol – 206 Washington St. SW Atlanta, GA 30334
what: Receive the 2023 Guide to Mental Health Advocacy, Meet with Elected Officials, and Advocate for Mental Health Decade in Georgia
For more information, Nami
