This

Fayetteville citizen is correct when she states that many

health insurance plans limit mental health coverage which

limits an individual's ability to obtain access to much

needed treatment.

In 1993 the

Georgia House passed legislation (HB100) which changed

the way public mental health, mental retardation and

substance abuse (MHMRSA) services are planned and

delivered.

Decision

making and accountability has moved closer to the local

level. Thirteen regional boards across the state are

responsible for identifying needs, planning, coordinating

and financing and monitoring both hospital and community

behavioral health and disability services.

The Region

2 MHMRSA Board located in Newnan, Georgia has oversight

responsibility for a 13 county service area which

consists of Butts, Carroll, Clayton, Coweta, Fayette,

Heard, Henry, Lamar, Meriwether, Pike, Spalding, Troup

and Upson counties.

The Region

2 MHMRSA Board has at least half of its membership made

up of consumers and their families. For the first time

consumers and their families are helping to shape the

delivery system affects their lives.

Specifically

the Region 2 Board serves as contact point for the most

in need citizens residing in this 13 county service area

who are requiring behavioral health and/or disability

services.

The Region

2 Board recognizes its responsibility to improve the

quality of life for all citizens served in the Region 2

service area. Therefore in this regard the board is

creating a delivery network that gives consumers and

their families more choice of treatment providers and

makes services more accessible.

In closing

allow me to reiterate that the Region 2 Board in an

"available resource for all citizens in the (Region

2) 13 counties may need assistance." The Region 2

Board can be contacted at (770) 254-7474.

Don

Simpson

E xecutive Director

Region 2 MHMRSA Board