MOULTRIE, Ga. — Turning Point Care Center, a behavioral health and chemical dependency hospital in Moultrie, recently celebrated Mental Health Awareness Month.

As part of Turning Point’s ongoing efforts to present the latest research in mental health and therapy, a two-day training event was held at Southern Regional Technical College where over 100 clinicians gathered to participate in training sessions facilitated by presenters from Florida State University, Georgia State University, and Turning Point.

The centerpiece of the event was the Mental Health Awareness program held during lunch on May 31, where attendees had the opportunity to listen to a number of speakers share details on local mental health initiatives.

First, state Rep. Sam Watson, R-Moultrie, discussed healthcare bills in the latest General Assembly session and how they will impact mental healthcare in the years to come.

Next, two graduates of the Respect Institute, a   program for individuals who have learned to manage their mental illness, spoke about their journey and how they have been able to become productive members of society.

Officer Daniel Lindsay with the Moultrie Police Department then briefed attendees on the Crisis Intervention Training program, whereby local officers are trained in best practices to use when responding to individuals experiencing a mental health crisis.

Finally, Lynn Wilson of the Moultrie chapter of NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) spoke about the need for every citizen to take an active interest in promoting mental health awareness and funding and to take steps to minimize the stigmas surrounding these diseases.

With attendees hailing from across South Georgia and North Florida, reports of mental health initiatives in Moultrie should spread quite a bit, said Jay Desselle of Turning Point.