Dear editor:

Kudos to the region-wide Sunlight Project for in-depth reporting on issues critical to a community’s well-being.  The issues are relevant and inextricably intertwined in many respects. My passion is mental health, so the articles on homelessness and recidivism caught my attention.  

There are many attributes that make for a desirable community in which to live and raise children. Moultrie, especially considering the size of our town, does very well: a vibrant Arts Center, growing medical options, family focused recreation programs, sportsman’s activities, diverse educational opportunities, attractive cost of living, and more.  

In the past few years we have made great strides in the area of mental health. Our local affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) offers support groups three times a month, monthly educational meetings, signature courses to enrich the knowledge base of individuals and their families who are dealing with mental health issues.

Colquitt County’s Treatment Court serves eligible adults with mental health and/or addiction issues. The court is changing lives for adults.

Georgia Pines Mental Health Clinic is open again to serve Colquitt County residents for mental health assessment and treatment at the location on North Main Street. Services include walk-in assessments, therapy and crisis counseling five days a week and psychiatric services.   

The Peer Support, Respite and Wellness Center (PSWRC) is enjoying immense success, filling yet another need.  

Community-wide events are bringing awareness, building support, and educating the public on mental health.  A diverse committee of citizen volunteers hosted the first Transforming 2 Wellness Recovery Symposium, one of the largest and most successful in the state.  

There is much to celebrate, but much yet to be done. The Sunlight Project reporters did the hard work necessary to reveal gaps that persist. In spite of progress made, we have addressed only the tip of the iceberg in Colquitt County.   More families than can be counted are in denial that mental illness exists in their family.  

Some mental health care is available in Colquitt County, with access dependent on an individual’s health insurance status.  Mental health clients are served by the Georgia Pines Clinic, but insufficient funding makes it impossible to treat everyone who needs services, and long waits are not uncommon. Turning Point Hospital offers care for mental health and addiction. Colquitt Regional Medical Center provides an expeditor in the Emergency Department (ED) to assist in securing appropriate treatment options for incoming patients experiencing mental health issues. The lack of affordable housing contributes to our homeless population. Adequate shelter is basic to human welfare.  

In order to maintain recovery and return to productive citizenship, meaningful employment is vital. In tough economic times employment can be difficult for anyone, but the stigma of mental illness can slam the door to opportunities.  

A well-known statistic reveals that 1 in 5 adults lives with mental illness.  For children and adolescents it is 1 in 10.    The majority are of above average intelligence and exhibit significant creative talents. A recovery-oriented community is one in which every citizen has access to the resources necessary to lead a fulfilling life. Until we encourage the acceptance and normalization of mental health advocacy, Colquitt County cannot claim the coveted designation as a recovery-oriented community.  Barriers must come down. Filling the gaps and dedicating ourselves and our resources to a system of support for individuals who are striving to live life at its fullest remains a work in progress.

There is room at the table for your ideas and your passion.  Pooling our diverse talents and working together, we will overcome the barriers.  Consider this an invitation to action.  Reach out to NAMI Moultrie (shann.mbell@gmail.com). Attend the next Colquitt County Mental Health Coalition meeting coming up May 17, 2017 (lynnbw45@gmail.com).

Lynn Wilson

Moultrie