Statistics reveal that one in five adults experience a mental health disorder in a given year; for children and adolescents, the statistic is one in ten. Locally, Thomasville has several organizations working together to combat these numbers within our community. To commemorate their effort, Mayor Pro Tem Terry Scott has signed a proclamation declaring the month of May as Mental Health Month.
Councilmember Jay Flowers recently awarded the proclamation to representatives from these important organizations. “You all should be so proud of the work you’re doing within our community,” Councilmember Flowers said. “Many are living closely with someone battling a mental disorder, and we understand the impact mental health organizations and support can have in their recovery.”
“The reality is, people living with mental illness can recover if given the necessary services and support within their community,” said Jennifer Dunn, Regional Services Administrator for the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities, “If we can increase support and decrease the stigma associated with mental health disorders through proclamations such as this, we can have a positive impact on those suffering.”
Mental Health Month is recognized throughout the nation during the month of May. For those who may be in need of assistance locally, there are several resources available including Georgia Pines, Vashti, our local National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), and the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD). Additionally, the Georgia Crisis and Access Line is a free service sponsored by the Georgia Department of Health Resources. Their toll free and confidential hotline provides assistance 24 hours a day and can be reached by calling 800-715-4225.
Pictured from left to right: 1st Row: Robert Hurn, Georgia Pines Executive Director; Councilman Jay Flowers; and Jennifer Dunn, Regional Services Administrator for the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities; 2nd Row: Kirsten Infinger, Residential Director for Georgia Pines; Rachel Palmer, Georgia Pines Crisis Center Director; Carlotte Paschal-Smith, Georgia Pines Agency Advocate; and Chelsie Cosby, City of Thomasville Customer Experience Liaison and Crisis Intervention Graduate; 3rd row: Dustin Infinger, Suicide Prevention Project Lead with Hearts for Families; Jimmy Bennett, Transition Coordinator for Crisis Services with the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities; Robert Howell, AmeriCANwork Inc. Supported Employment Director; and Todd Jones, Children, Young Adults, and Families Specialist with the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities.