MOULTRIE —
Law enforcement and hospital officials previously have discussed how the closing of a mental health facility has impacted their operations.
Now a domestic abuse shelter said that the lack of service here is being felt in the number of people seeking protection.
That issue, drugs and the economy are driving some of the admissions to Serenity House, Director Blue Hackle said.
Hackle said she has noticed more women needing transportation to clinics to get medication for mental health issues since Georgia Pines Community Services closed its clinic in Moultrie.
The agency closed the Main Street facility in August 2009, citing steep budget cuts from the state. It has maintained home visitation services, but clients who previously picked up prescriptions and received counseling in Moultrie now have to travel either to Pelham or Thomasville.
Hackle said that those without transportation for mental health care can end up in the shelter, even if the victim is the person who is off a medication schedule. In some cases, both members of the household are receiving mental health services.
“These people are struggling to get out of town to get these mental health services,” she said. “Tempers are flaring if people can’t get the drugs they need to control (their condition).
“We’re seeing more and more people who have been without medicine for different lengths of time. That affects the way they interact with their spouses.”
Drugs also contribute to people seeking to get out of abusive situations.
“A lot of the women do say drugs is the reason why they’re here,” Hackle said. “Alcohol is another reason why they’re here.”
The economy also plays a role in admissions to the shelter, which opened in May 2002.
“The less they have to fight over, it seems the more they fight over it,” Hackle said. “The unemployment rate is getting better, but it’s still really hard for people to find a job.
“If our women don’t get day care assistance, the ones we have dealt with, they don’t make enough money to pay their day care.”
The mental health situation has “definitely” played a role in arrests in domestic violence cases, Colquitt County Sheriff’s Office Capt. Julius Cox said.
However, it would be impossible to put a number on those instances, he said.
Local News
Lack of mental health service drives women to Serenity House
- Local News
-
-
Budget: A bitter pill looms
-
Time for A break
- Violence, kidnapping draw charges
- Your Agenda 5/24
-
Thomasville mental hospital to close
One of Thomas County largest employers — at more than 700 — and a longtime regional state mental hospital will close Dec. 31.
-
More than 700 jobs to be eliminated when hospital closes
Effects of the closing of one Thomas County’s biggest employers, a state mental hospital established in the 1960s, are rippling through the community.
-
How will 'Obamacare' affect Moultrians?
With Georgia electing not to participate in Medicaid expansion, Colquitt Regional Medical Center and other hospitals in the area likely will rack up more expenses related to treating the uninsured.
While hundreds of thousands of Georgians not covered by Medicaid now will remain in that category, existing health insurance customers will see some benefits. -
Waiting and watching for hatching
-
Suspect charged in ATV theft
A man accused in the theft of a four-wheeler taken from Roundtree Bridge Road could face an additional charge related to a phony $20 bill.
-
Passing speeder damages truck door
A tractor driver had the door of his ride sucked open and smashed by a fast-moving SUV whose driver did not stop.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Raw: Jurors Deadlock on Jodi Arias Penalty
Boy Scouts Decision "First Step" Say Activists
Raw: Utah Teen Arrested in Death of His Brothers
Closer Look at Okla. School Where Children Died
Two Suspects in Murder Known to London Police
Boy Scouts Mom Supports Gay Inclusiveness
"Be Ready": NOAA Warns of Busy Hurricane Season
SeaWorld: Penguins Are Coolest Thing in Florida
Obama Renews Call to Close Gitmo
Obama Offers Drone Strike Defense
Raw: Heckler Interrupts Obama on Guantanamo
A Slice of Apple History Up for Grabs
Johnson: Don't Blame Islam or UK Policy
Raw: 80-Year-Old Climbs Mount Everest
Wash. State Man Arrested Following Ricin Scare
Chain-Reaction School Bus Crash Injures About 50
Raw: Scuffles in London After Hacking Death
Texas Students Coach Teachers on Fitness
New Forecasting Tool Eyed for Hurricane Season
Meet MJ, the Bike Riding Tabby Cat
