The Georgia Legislature allocated $700 million for access to mental health care.
For many people, their twenties are a time of exploration and embracing life’s opportunities.
But for 27-year-old Justin Jones, the past decade has been one plagued by mental health issues.
Once a dedicated student with excellent grades, Jones has suffered from anxiety since she was 15, which has hindered her academic progress.
He attributes some of this struggle to peer influence.
Jones began experiencing symptoms of schizoaffective disorder during his senior year of high school and was later diagnosed with three other mental illnesses.
The search for a suitable treatment began early and was fraught with difficulties.
“My parents introduced me to a therapist when I was in high school, and that helped to some extent,” Jones said.
But his life took a dark turn, leading to psychotic episodes, brief incarceration, drug abuse and a fatal overdose in 2016.
He has sought help from more than 30 mental health facilities over the years, and his experience echoes that of many people who suffer from mental health issues.
Macon therapist Gloria Cisse said providers are overwhelmed and long wait lists have become the norm.
In Middle Georgia, just over 1,000 mental health providers serve more than 500,000 residents, according to the Georgia Rural Health Innovation Center.
The Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities serves people with developmental disabilities, substance use disorders and mental illnesses.
A spokesperson told 13WMAZ that call volumes to the 988 suicide prevention hotline have increased by 10% between July 2022 and July 2023, with an overall increase of 41.6% from 2019 to 2022.
The department handles an average of 20,000 calls, texts and chats each month and dispatches approximately 2,000 mobile crisis response units each month.
The spokesperson also released the following statement:
“Georgia’s leaders have demonstrated a strong commitment to mental health reform, with a significant state investment of $500 million in DBHDD since 2019. This significant funding underscores the state’s commitment to strengthening mental health services and ensuring access to care for all Georgians.”
State Rep. Todd Jones recognizes the seriousness of the situation, especially since his son, Justin, struggles with mental health issues.
He noted that the Georgia Legislature has allocated $700 million for access to mental health care, highlighting the personal nature of the issue.
The Mental Health Parity Act of 2022 aims to address disparities in mental health care by mandating equal treatment for physical and mental illnesses by private insurers and Medicaid.
This is a bill that was vigorously argued for and passed by Todd Jones, former Georgia House Speaker David Ralston, Rep. Mary Oliver, and other lawmakers.
Todd Jones emphasizes the importance of comprehensive solutions, pointing to organizations such as the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) in Middle Georgia, which offers comprehensive support through education and housing programs.
As Justin Jones prepares to leave a group home after five years, a life-changing experience awaits him. Grateful for the progress he’s made so far, he looks ahead with optimism to the next chapter.
“I’m ready to face the next 10 years of my life with a positive attitude,” Justin Jones said, reflecting on his road to recovery.
He plans to return to Georgia State University to complete his bachelor’s degree in global studies.
NAMI leaders plan to open another residential facility in June and continue to expand their housing programs.
